Greetings again from the darkness. All it takes is Sean Penn's name on the marquee as sufficient reason for me to see a film. This time that that is combined with a story that has fascinated me for years. Similar at times to "Falling Down" and "Taxi Driver", this inspired-by-a-true-story, captures the desperation one might feel when dwelling on the flaws of our system and the daily sacrifices we must make just to get by. Watching Don Cheadle repeat to Penn's character (Sam Bicke) that "It's a job" and seeing Bicke's total lack of comprehension is very powerful stuff. Naomi Watts is once again teamed with Penn, this time as his estranged wife who obviously has reached her limits with Sam's character flaws.
First time director Niels Muller (who co-wrote the underrated "Tadpole") provides many powerful scenes that build the frustration in Bicke's life. Jack Thompson is superb as the slick furniture salesman-boss who tries to forge a path in sales for Bicke through Dale Carnegie and Norman Vincent Peale books. Watching Bicke try to connect with the Black Panthers is disturbing, although his "zebra" idea is funny and brilliant. Seeing Bicke hug Cheadle's son once for each of his own kids is poignant, yet touching. Mostly watching the greatest living actor is an honor and privilege that should not be missed.
Although I am not sure how Niels Muller got this gig, the wonderful story, terrific cast, and executive producers Leonardo DiCaprio and Alexander Payne deliver a story that is compelling and lives up to its tag line of "A mad story of a true man".
First time director Niels Muller (who co-wrote the underrated "Tadpole") provides many powerful scenes that build the frustration in Bicke's life. Jack Thompson is superb as the slick furniture salesman-boss who tries to forge a path in sales for Bicke through Dale Carnegie and Norman Vincent Peale books. Watching Bicke try to connect with the Black Panthers is disturbing, although his "zebra" idea is funny and brilliant. Seeing Bicke hug Cheadle's son once for each of his own kids is poignant, yet touching. Mostly watching the greatest living actor is an honor and privilege that should not be missed.
Although I am not sure how Niels Muller got this gig, the wonderful story, terrific cast, and executive producers Leonardo DiCaprio and Alexander Payne deliver a story that is compelling and lives up to its tag line of "A mad story of a true man".