9/11 is a day that will live in the hearts and minds of everyone around the world. It was a day of change, heartbreak and for many people, it was a day of uniting with others to seek solace, compassion and strength. And the events of that day form of the backbone of Mike Binder's astonishingly powerful film "Reign Over Me", starring Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle.
Sandler plays Charlie Fineman, a young man whose wife and children were on one of the planes that hit the World Trade Center on September the 11th, 2001. His whole world destroyed, he broke down, and retreated into himself, becoming an odd hermit and recluse. He constantly obsesses over re-doing the remodeling in his apartment and playing the video game "Shadow of the Colossus." (Fans of the game will understand how symbolic and provocative this detail is, and how important it is to the story.) Charlie is barely able to function in any sort of social norm, suffering bizarre outbreaks of anger and paranoia, and is almost completely unable to hold a normal conversation.
Cheadle plays Alan Johnson, a dentist who was friends and roommates with Fineman in college. Johnson is a normal man dealing with normal problems- turbulence in his family life, the death of his elderly father, and the bizarre affections of a patient whom has fallen for him despite the fact he is married and won't cheat on his wife.
After a chance encounter on the street leads to Johnson and Fineman reconnecting, the film plays out as a heartbreaking-yet-hopeful Odyssey as Johnson tries his best to help Fineman rebuild his life, while trying to repair his own life at the same time.
Other roles include Jada Pinkett Smith as Janeane, Alan's wife. Liv Tyler as a psychologist Alan is familiar with whom decides to try and help Charlie, and supporting roles by Donald Sutherland, director Mike Binder, Ted Raimi, Saffron Burrows and others.
This is very much an actor's movie. There are no big action sequences or laugh-out-loud set-pieces. This is a subtle picture about the way lines are delivered and the twitches and undertones of the faces of the performers. And everyone in this film is remarkable. From tiny roles played by Binder, Raimi, Burrows, etc. Everyone delivers fine performances.
But Sandler and Cheadle are the heart of the film, and I honestly feel both deserved Oscar Nods for their work here. Cheadle says so much in role, and it was an admirable, strong performance. And Sandler continues to prove his talent as a dramatic actor, after his appearance in the incredible "Punch Drunk Love." Sandler lets Fineman envelope him and he transforms himself so much, he's near unrecognizable from his normal comedic roles. Sandler is a revelation in this role.
Everything else about the film is top notch. From wonderful, subtle direction to a heartbreaking and heat re-building script to some truly astonishing music, this is a darned-near-perfect film.
I adore this movie. "Reign Over Me" is a triumph of human drama and I'd highly recommend it. An obvious 10 out of 10.
Sandler plays Charlie Fineman, a young man whose wife and children were on one of the planes that hit the World Trade Center on September the 11th, 2001. His whole world destroyed, he broke down, and retreated into himself, becoming an odd hermit and recluse. He constantly obsesses over re-doing the remodeling in his apartment and playing the video game "Shadow of the Colossus." (Fans of the game will understand how symbolic and provocative this detail is, and how important it is to the story.) Charlie is barely able to function in any sort of social norm, suffering bizarre outbreaks of anger and paranoia, and is almost completely unable to hold a normal conversation.
Cheadle plays Alan Johnson, a dentist who was friends and roommates with Fineman in college. Johnson is a normal man dealing with normal problems- turbulence in his family life, the death of his elderly father, and the bizarre affections of a patient whom has fallen for him despite the fact he is married and won't cheat on his wife.
After a chance encounter on the street leads to Johnson and Fineman reconnecting, the film plays out as a heartbreaking-yet-hopeful Odyssey as Johnson tries his best to help Fineman rebuild his life, while trying to repair his own life at the same time.
Other roles include Jada Pinkett Smith as Janeane, Alan's wife. Liv Tyler as a psychologist Alan is familiar with whom decides to try and help Charlie, and supporting roles by Donald Sutherland, director Mike Binder, Ted Raimi, Saffron Burrows and others.
This is very much an actor's movie. There are no big action sequences or laugh-out-loud set-pieces. This is a subtle picture about the way lines are delivered and the twitches and undertones of the faces of the performers. And everyone in this film is remarkable. From tiny roles played by Binder, Raimi, Burrows, etc. Everyone delivers fine performances.
But Sandler and Cheadle are the heart of the film, and I honestly feel both deserved Oscar Nods for their work here. Cheadle says so much in role, and it was an admirable, strong performance. And Sandler continues to prove his talent as a dramatic actor, after his appearance in the incredible "Punch Drunk Love." Sandler lets Fineman envelope him and he transforms himself so much, he's near unrecognizable from his normal comedic roles. Sandler is a revelation in this role.
Everything else about the film is top notch. From wonderful, subtle direction to a heartbreaking and heat re-building script to some truly astonishing music, this is a darned-near-perfect film.
I adore this movie. "Reign Over Me" is a triumph of human drama and I'd highly recommend it. An obvious 10 out of 10.