King of the Corner (2004) User Reviews

A film with heart

[MontrosePix · 7/10 · 17 December 2004]

I just saw this in Chicago and despite a flawed print, the heart of the film came across in many wonderful scenes. This was shot in 20 days for under $400K and it's amazing they pulled it off, with multiple cities and an amazing batch of actors.

It is especially remarkable, given that Peter Riegert is directing it and is in almost every scene,which is not easy. It is not a perfect film, but Isabella Rossellini and Eric Bogosian are especially fabulous. I think it's clear that this is a labor of love for Peter Riegert and he will be taking across the country, city by city, to get it seen. It will definitely find an audience.

Worth Seeing

[kensharp · 7/10 · 11 June 2005]

Peter Riegert has been bringing this movie, which he directed and co-wrote, from city to city to build word of mouth. It's worth seeing if it comes to your town, especially if you like character-driven comedy/drama. Eric Bogosian steals the film as Rabbi Fink, and there's plenty of other good performances from a great cast which includes Isabella Rosselini, Eli Wallach, Rita Moreno, and Beverly D'Angelo. The story itself is pretty low-key, about an advertising executive (Riegert) coming to grips with a variety of mid-life issues, all delivered with gentle humor. Based on the title story from Gerald Shapiros's collection, "Bad Jews and Other Stories".

About Spivak

[snappyshutter · 7/10 · 9 March 2005]

Main character Leo Spivak (Peter Riegert) is having a mid-life crisis in 'King of the Corner" a movie adapted from Gerald Shapiro's book, "Bad Jews and Other Stories." His ennui-ridden life seems lifted from "About Schmidt" and "Glengarry Glen Ross."

Now an aging salesman teetering on the tightrope of corporate America - Spivak momentarily looks down. His life tumbles into a free fall after that- His young pup sales trainee (played aptly by Jake Hoffman, Dustin Hoffman's son) nips at his heels. He and his wife (Isabella Rossellini) are no longer carnally or emotionally engaged. His teenage daughter doesn't respect him and his cantankerous old dad (Eli Wallach) delights in poking holes in his already cellophane-thin self-esteem. Leo doesn't buy a red sports car to support his trussed-up emotions- he has an affair and scratches the surface of a proverbial seven-year-itch. There isn't enough Goldbond Medicated Powder to salve his fractured libido-but a traumatic event late in the movie seems to jostle him back to earth- into the relatively safe orbit of his dysfunctional family.

The working title of the movie was, "The Pursuit of Happiness."

Spivak comes close to that at the end of the film. ----

I found the movie poignant and funny. The dialogue was superb and the cast was a who's who of great actors-Rita Moreno, Eric Bogosian, Beverly d'Angelo and the aforementioned Wallach, Rossellini and Riegert. This film was shot in 20 days on a modest budget. There were times when I thought the character development was a little thin and the pacing of the film a little slow. Riegert directed and starred in the movie and was present at the March 5 world premiere in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Ross Theater. Shapiro is an English professor at the University of Nebraska.

It's Death of a Salesman with a better ending.

[ehuffste · 20 October 2004]

Peter Riegert's film, King of the Corner, based on Gerald Shapiro's work, Bad Jews and Other Stories, offers a remarkable glimpse into one man's struggle to balance the demands of dealing with an aging parent, raising a teenager daughter, remaining faithful in his marriage, maintaining some sort of credibility at work, as well as coming to terms with his own past choices. I absolutely loved the way in which the central metaphors worked in the film--Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," the image of the "bad Jew" dancing around the idol while Moses is receiving the stone tablets, and the story of Leo's father playing "King of the Corner" in the swimming pool. These sorts of symbolic connections give this movie a measure of humanity and much more depth than you would find in a typical Hollywood film.

Riegert's performance was wonderfully low key. Leo doesn't whine, he doesn't rant (except maybe in the scene with the focus group), and he doesn't degenerate into farce (except maybe in the scene when he confronts his lover's husband). For the most part, he remains sensitive and thoughtful as he tries to put his world back together. The highlight of Riegert's portrayal is the scene at his father's funeral. It was an emotionally charged scene, a scene that many actors would have been tempted to overdo, that was played perfectly by Riegert.

This is truly wonderful film. Eli Wallach, Rita Moreno, Beverly D'Angelo...everyone does a terrific job. If you want to see a warm, thoughtful film about real people trying to come to terms with real issues in a sometimes crazy world, then this is a film you shouldn't miss.

Great writing and performances

[kellybmom · 7/10 · 11 April 2005]

This film is a must for the sandwich generation. I saw this at a special screening in Salt Lake City at the Broadway Theatre with a Q&A after the movie with Mr. Reigert. Excellent performances with writing that takes you through the layers of the characters like a fun house full of mirrors. Each scene and character reflects the complexities of this time of life. It is refreshing to sit through a film that deals with everyday people just working through their lives with humor and a strong sense of oblivion. Not always knowing what the consequences will be and just doing what feels right makes this one of the best journeys I have witnessed in a long, long time. Wonderful!

You have got to be kidding

[gonadian · 4/10 · 10 February 2008]

I must have seen a different movie. This was an idiotic movie on every level. The writing and plots....when Riegert goes to D'Angelo's home to return panties? No way in hell....absolutely retarded. The dialog...nothing more than a lame attempt at "Curb Your Enthusiasm"...and sorely misses the mark. The movie tries to convince you its just a "day in the life" kind of thing. The acting is forced and over the top for NO reason. The simplest of circumstances are met with intensity and complexity that just does not exist in real life. I don't know of anyone who is this stupid. Well....maybe me...for sitting through this thing.

Stunning

[layersofsediment · 7/10 · 25 October 2006]

This is a profoundly difficult film. A very strange thing.

Ninety percent drivel, technical incompetence, and horrid writing and acting ... and 10% genius.

It's weird. I first tried to sit through this thing MORE THAN ELEVEN YEARS AGO.

I hated it. It made me so angry.

The over-acting. The technical glitches (shots out-of-focus, weird lighting) and the illogic throughout - both of the "nobody would ever behave or react that way" variety as well as the "how could she hear what her father's saying when she's so far away and he's speaking in a quiet voice, and we can only hear her reply because she's shouting?" variety.

I hated Riegert. I hated the wife. I hated the daughter. I hated the story. The acting. The editing. Everything about it.

And then, more than eleven years later, I forced myself to finish it. Out of spite, I guess. I don't know. It's on youtube for free, so I watched to the end.

And I discovered plutonium.

At the 45 minute mark, it transmogrifies into a completely different film.

Leo goes crazy and I begin laughing hysterically and I start to care deeply about what happens next to these people and ... and the whole dam thing becomes RIVETING.

For awhile. And then it goes back to being comatose. And sloooooow. And unwatchable. But I forced myself to continue on, like Job.

Then near the end, at the funeral, I cried.

Tears ran down my face. And when Leo notices (as did I) that "the companion" is off by herself, and he includes her, I at that moment ... began to love him.

DAM YOU, RIEGERT. WHY COULDN'T THE WHOLE FILM HAVE BEEN THIS STUNNING? Geez.

Here is my original review, more than eleven years ago (Oct 25, 2006):

It's nice that Riegert went on the road, etc etc - but nice does not a good film make. Isabella as the wife was completely absurd; Eli's over-acting was horrid - screeching like some old crow, desperately mugging for the camera. Hoffman's kid - ridiculously awful.

The father & mother wringing their hands over the daughter's lateness - simply not believably acted at all. There's more (a lot more) - but no point to continue.

What can I say? I *wanted* to love this thing, but it's just plain awful.

Maybe if Riegert makes a better film in the future, he'd have a better chance at distribution.

Boring

[SFfilmgoer · 3/10 · 19 June 2005]

It is hard to tell just what the point of this film is. It seems it is about an advertising agency and the people working in the agency. It is also about the relationship of the star (Peter Reigert) with his father (Eli Wallach) who is in a nursing home in Arizona. It also has bits and pieces of other stories, the relationship of Reigert's daughter with her boyfriend and other trivia.

My impression is that the writer wanted to make a movie, but did not have a story to keep the audience interested for an hour and a half so he seemed to try other ways to draw an audience by including such big names as Rita Moreno, Isabella Rosselini, Eli Wallach. He also made most of the principal characters Jewish, perhaps in hopes of drawing a bigger audience to a trivial film.

I saw this picture in San Francisco, a city with a large movie going audience and the theater was almost empty. Although I did hear one woman laugh, most of the sparse audience appeared to be bored with the film.

Peter Reigert's shows us so much of a man's search for meaning

[dhboylan2000 · 9/10 · 16 October 2004]

King of the Corner is a gift to us from a group of wonderfully talented actors (Eli Wallach, Isabella Rossellini, Rita Moreno, Peter Reigert and more) who are brought together by Peter Reigert to tell this story of a man coming apart at the seams. Leo is under pressure by his ailing dad, by a younger man competing for his job, by a wife unhappy with the marriage, by a difficult teenage daughter and by a sense of life losing all meaning. With a very healthy mix of humor and warmth, Leo lives the minutes and hours of his life fully and suffers his way forward in a way that we want to go with him and learn and live our way forward. This is a highly recommended film for everybody who wants to follow the human condition through the story of one man and his struggles.

One of Those Whole//Sum of the Parts Things

[Temprock14 · 7/10 · 17 April 2005]

Saw this wonderful film in the best possible setting: crisp spring night, packed house at the Philly Film Festival with the extremely accomplished Mr. Riegert there in person to speak of his film.

Indeed it was a nice movie--I'd take one film like this over 50 "Meet the Fockers" any day. But for whatever reason I did not consistently, emotionally connect with the characters even though (no spoiler) there was one amazing, dead-on scene toward the end capturing the complexities of the character(s) and the family dynamic beautifully.

I found certain parts of the plot somewhat unrealistic (in degree, not kind) and although the cast overall was wonderfully assembled with a (according to Mr. Riegert) a very limited budget, unlike the opinion expressed by this fine actor (and Director) I did NOT find the casting of Ms. Rosselini to be the best "match" for the family portrayed. Almost jarring to me at times.

That being said, this is what "indy" films" should be about: a vision nicely executed. I hope the film succeeds on every level.

Lots of talent here--Does not add up to much.

[paloma54 · 5/10 · 14 November 2005]

This film has lots of interesting premises and a great cast, which should have, in my opinion, added up to a lot more entertaining movie. It's greatest fault seems to be that it can't decide if it really wants to be funny or if it wants to be heartwarming. Instead, it is only occasionally amusing, and when it wanders into absurdity, which in a funnier movie could work magic, it just seems to be content with a few semi-philosophical half-baked platitudes. Overall, the story isn't that credible or interesting.

The actors are all really good in their roles, so I'm assuming the biggest fault is the slightness of the story and/or the slow packing of the direction. Not a bad movie, just a waste of time and talent.

Wry and delicious little indie film

[Betsy · 9/10 · 10 October 2004]

Peter Riegert's feature directorial (and screenplay writing) debut and I'd say it was auspicious. He's assembled a great cast: Isabella Rossellini, a wonderfully curmudgeonly Eli Wallach, Eric Bogosian, with the usual quality work from Riegert himself, and a nice comic performance from Dustin Hoffman's son Jake. It has the feel of a European film: humor, pathos, manic comedy, more than one touch of wisdom and insight. This is a little fable that never loses its touch with reality, though in the way of many comedies it goes off the rails once or twice. Great ensemble work from Riegert and the entire cast--the film has a philosophical viewpoint, and yet is not afraid of showing real emotion. Highly recommended.

Low Trajectory

[screenlabs · 6/10 · 4 June 2005]

I saw KING OF THE CORNER in an old neighborhood first-ring suburb cinema in Minneapolis -- probably the best setting for this death of a salesman story of low-simmering frustrations and expectations. Primarily a father-son tale, Peter Reigert stars and Eli Wallach pares back the assemblage of male emotional complexion of life and work what defines and makes the unambitious yet trapped male crazy.

Reigert's strength as a actor turn director is letting his ensemble acting troupe do their thing. While many European directors, for example Mike Leigh and Ken Loach, have a particular flare for giving actors their reign, too many America films and filmmakers are more into exercising their prowess

Eric Bogosian delivers a particularly funny performance when he arrives two-thirds into this film and it may be a needed gust of air blown into the story but even his eye deeks and silent pauses carry humorous weight. I would have liked to see a bit more character arch and a slightly more weighted dimension to the predicament of supporting characters like daughter Betsy (played by Beverly D'Angelo) and Rachael Spivak (played by Isabella Rossellini) as a conscience to the story. I understand Reigert's desire to deliver a story of cistern melancholy -- that is freaking ambitious in the modern cinema of blunt sensationalist tripe -- but Reigert and Shapior could have pinched, pickled and smoked this film with humor and contrast that lacking the appropriate season cure you find in Isaac Bashevis Singer or Woody Allen at the height of his abilities that speaks in this film to the first-time effort of the screen writing collaboration. However, we need more efforts that reach toward the sublime rather than the obvious and this Minneapolis (Edina) audience really did enjoy Reigert's film.

Reigert's film will be noted for the actors from Wallach to Rossellini to Dustin Hoffman's son Jake's appearance. Reigert's fan club going back to AMINAL HOUSE appreciate his salty fore- lorn comedic talents and the comic actor needs to find written material that can tap and challenge his range. It is always interesting to watch a low-budget film where actors reign and mid-western writer Gerald Shapiro should learn his lessons and be very grateful to get such a major staged reading of his stories (KING OF THE CORNER is based on BAD JEWS AND OTHER STORIES).

I recommend this film as an alternative to all the hyped crap in the commercial pipeline but for the irony and comic droll that really delivers this summer see indie filmmakers Jim Jarmusch's BROKEN FLOWERS or Miranda July's YOU AND ME AND EVERYONE WE KNOW. Cudos to Reigert for this charming and droll debut feature.

Wonder Boys meets Death of a Salesman?

[douglasec · 10 October 2004]

First-time feature director Peter Riegert gathered a great ensemble cast for this combination of two short stories from Gerald Shapiros's wonderful book "Bad Jews" (recently featured in NPR interviews) about a middle-aged salesman and his family coping with aging parents, rebellious teens and former high school crushes from years past. Some of the products Leo (Riegert) does focus groups for are outrageous (a voice changer for phones that makes you sound like Gregory Peck, an alarm that scares off burglars with a pre-recorded family quarrel). His protege, Ed (Dustin Hoffman's son, Jake, described in the original screenplay as "looks like a young Dustin Hoffman" - what were the chances?) starts pushing for Leo's job while Leo's dad (Eli Wallach) steals scenes as a querulous curmudgeonly senior. Eric Bogosian is a welcome addition as a free-lance rabbi who makes Leo confront his father's legacy (best clerical scene-stealer since Rowan Atkinson in Four Weddings and a Funeral), and Mamma Mia! Rita Moreno, Isabella Rossellini and Beverly D'Angelo competing as "mature" sex symbols of the year! At today's Mill Valley Film Fest screening Peter said he'll open in NY & LA at least (March 2005)and build from there. A charming low-budget labor of love that may have to earn a reputation by word of mouth (unless someone from Miramax is paying attention- are you there, Harv?)...

good sincere acting, great ensemble cast, deserved better production value.

[michael-790 · 6/10 · 15 December 2004]

This film has good sincere acting with a great ensemble cast.

However, this film deserved better production values. The strained production values really hinder what are very bright and fresh performances from the actors. Isabella Rosselini is sublime and beautiful as always and Eric Bogosian's performance as a narcissistic yet caring rabbi is right on the money. Some of the scenes were out of focus, grainy and overexposed and got in the way of the performances. Peter Reigert's deserves credit for his performance in almost every scene and also working behind the camera as a first time director. Overall, very enjoyable once it found it's pace.

A bittersweet comedy that deserves a wider audience

[judy_martinez · 8/10 · 17 April 2005]

First comment: People, don't forget to submit a vote with your review! I'm reading the reviews and most are excellent, and I'm wondering why the overall rating is only a 6.3. Then I see a lot of excellent reviews with NO VOTE! I assume these are counted as ZEROs in the rating.

REVIEW - I saw this movie at the Philadelphia Film Festival on 4/16/2004. I thought it was very good - both sad and funny. My favorite part was the interaction between the main character, Leo (Peter Riegert) and his father (Eli Wallach). Eric Bogosian was also very funny as the rabbi. And although her part was small, it was worth seeing how great Rita Moreno looked - Wow, she looks amazing! She made Isabella Rossellini look like a haggard old frump. The daughter was nothing special, and the weakest link was the up and coming business hot shot played by Jake Hoffman (Dustin Hoffman's son.) He was too young and goofy to play a ruthless guy moving up in the business world.

It's a shame that a bittersweet comedy like this that combines elements of different genres and can't be easily characterized as a "Drama" or a "Comedy" or a "Tearjerker" will have trouble finding an audience. Hollywood's marketing people need to do a better job of finding an audience for these films - there are tons of people who want to see movies like this, and they are too lazy to figure out how to market them. It's easy to market to teenage boys - do a little work and figure out how to reach the audience who wants to see movies like this! The only scene I thought was a little unrealistic was the scene I'll simply refer to as the "underwear" scene. As the scene was going on, I thought maybe it was going to be revealed as a dream sequence - it just seemed like such a strange and out of character thing for Leo to do.

I would love to see this movie find its rightful audience. Many people would enjoy this movie.

wonderful film

[coolstufguy · 9/10 · 26 March 2005]

just saw this film today in the buffalo, ny area. peter riegert was on hand after the show to answer questions, and i thought it was fantastic that he was doing that. what impressed me most about the film was that it was so understated. on the surface, it's "just" a good, funny story about everyday problems in the life of a middle aged Jewish man in the business world. yet it's just that which makes the movie so human. also, there's several things that happen, particularly things which the characters are thinking, which he doesn't outright tell the audience. yet the viewer still gets the sense of it, and fills it in by his/her self. if you're looking to learn a little more about morality in today's world, i think your thoughts will be provoked by this film.

Making the life of an average man interesting...

[ethansfilm · 9/10 · 3 November 2004]

I had the pleasure of seeing this film this past week (before it's official release) as Mr. Riegert screened it at Pitt college. This film is about an ordinary man (Leo) and the problems he faces. Mr. Riegert managed to tell this story in a way to make it interesting. Some may find the beginning of the film to be slow, but as the movie goes on the audience can't help but become pulled into the life of Leo.

Some of the problems Leo faces are common, letting the audience relate. Almost everybody can pick up something different from this film, and it has something people of all ages can relate to, I myself am 17 and found things in the movie that do reflect life as I know it. The theater was filled with people as young as myself to the elderly, everybody able to get something different out of the movie and it's characters.

The story is told straight out, with great writing and humorous moments. The acting is well done, and the film has many memorable moments (one being the funeral scene where Riegert really gives a moving performance). The movie was shot without many close-ups providing a style that allows the audience to gain perspective on everything going on, there are also few cuts, which allows you to notice change in character.

At the beginning, if you're thinking this movie is a documentary about a boring man, by the end you will have forgotten those thoughts while you think about Leo's life as though it is your own.

After the film I was able to speak with Mr. Riegert, who answered all questions and was eager to hear my thoughts, I have no complaints about this film, and enjoyed it very much and thank him for being there. He has done a fantastic job, not making an 'artsy' film, but telling life as it is. You will enjoy seeing Leo change in character from the beginning to the end. When you get the chance, see this movie. I know I will again.

Fantastic film with fine performances all around.

[spotlitev · 9/10 · 18 March 2005]

I was fortunate enough to have seen a preview of this wonderful film and then discuss it in detail with the talented Mr. Riegert afterwords. He had a true passion for telling this story and he has done so in a masterful production with a talented cast. The story is poignant, touching, funny, heart-wrenching and thought-provoking and sometimes all at once. The camera work and cinematography is amazing an often on par with a good Woody Allen movie. The rarely-seen-anymore Isabella Rosselini is slightly underused but effective in every scene that she appears in. The same can be said for Rite Moreno who sneaks in a subtly fine performance. Eli Wallach finally makes a long-overdue screen appearance in what one could easily argue to be one of his finest. Finally, there is the unexpectedly skillfully orchestrated performance of Peter Riegert who somehow found a way to co-write and direct as well. It's a shame that this film may never get it's fair share of press and viewership due to the a lack of distribution because if it does, it would easily become a classic.

Well-Done, Witty and Poignant Character Study

[ghecht11 · 8/10 · 13 July 2005]

I screened this film at its Kansas City opening and found it an enjoyable and revealing tale of family life and a slice of modern Americana with more that one surprise and twist along the way. It is a film of depth and subtle textures that engages the audience by layers as it explores the personalities and relationships that propel the central characters through their lives. Peter Reigert and Isabella Rossellini turn in sensitive performances with a wonderful counterpoint provided by Eli Wallach in the role of the family patriarch.

Reigert's direction is cogent and trim, based on a literate, thoughtful script by Gerald Shapiro.

Fantastic Film

[devnullid · 9/10 · 18 October 2004]

I saw this at the Woodstock Film Festival yesterday and it had everything I look for in a film. It wasn't overdone or edgy for edginess sake. Absent was the inauthentic formulaic filler that spoils most Hollywood films for me.

Great cast, character development, wit, humor and humanity. For me it was similar to the first time I read Miller's "Death of a Salesman." It had the depth of a play.

A tremendously funny and moving film, it was a highlight (for me) at the festival. Audiences that have had enough of car chases, inane plots will probably totally dig the film. The crowd I was with at the film was overwhelmingly moved.

Sincere, touching, and plenty of humor...

[taliblankfeld · 1 November 2004]

I had the privilege of attending the screening for this small yet universally meaningful film.

I hope it gets as much distribution as possible, because the actors' remarkable performances bring life to "normal everyday" characters that really remind us of human qualities we can all relate to in our own way.

Humorous bits and pieces keep the film light and tasteful, making it an easily enjoyable hour and twenty minutes.

I recommend this to those looking for an entertaining, worthwhile film.

Keep an eye out especially for the character of Betsy--a notable performance.

Very enjoyable film

[curlylarrynmoe · 8/10 · 26 March 2005]

The film was great. The characters were interesting and I became invested in the film early on. The cast was eclectic and it worked. Eli Wallach continued to deliver. Peter Riegert plays a non observant Jew going through major life challenges, and he did this very well. Listen to some of the dialog carefully. Yes, there are times it is extremely funny, but more often that that, the dialog and conversations are thought-inspiring and meaningful. It makes for great post movie discussions. If you are able, and live in one of the cities Riegert is personally screening this movie, he holds a live Q & A after the film. There is something in this movie for moviegoers of all generations.

Extremely enjoyable film!!

[lokin-1 · 9/10 · 26 June 2005]

I saw this movie with my husband and several friends. We all agreed that it was a very enjoyable, entertaining movie containing moments of laughter, sadness, and realistic situations in most of the scenes.

Some of the scenes were extremely funny, and some of them were very touching with moments that are universally related to parents who are ill or dying. Eil Wallach was wonderful as the ailing father. His son finally realizes the full value of his father late in the movie.

Rita Moreno played a small, yet lovely part in the movie. Isabella Rossellini played an understated part (but better this way than overstated!) Peter Riegert was wonderful in this part. He played it sympathetically in his relationships with his wife, daughter, father and realistically with his employer.

I would highly recommend this movie for an enjoyable evening at the movies. It should have been picked up quickly by distributors, but that's another story!!

Excellent movie!

[cliffiez · 14 December 2004]

I am a film student at Columbia College in Chicago, recently I had the chance to view a screening of King of the Corner. My God was it Hilarious and greatly acted. King of The Corner has to be the best movie I have seen in a long time. This is the type of movie the reeks true American Filmic Artform, and kicks the basic Hollywood nonsense right in the prunes.

It is the story of a middle aged Jewish man named Leo that is facing a mid life crisis in work, his marriage and his relationship with his father. In every circumstance, the result was a very smart, funny and intelligent climax. I don't want to talk too much about the story for fear of giving too much away and I am also not a great "critical writer" so I don't want to turn anybody off to the film. But I will say that the cast and the performances were unbelievable. Eric Bogosian plays a Rabbi in probably the funniest role i have ever seen him. Dominc "Uncle Junior" Chianese from the Sopranos is perfect in his role of a funereal director, Jake Hoffman is perfect as a weasely occupational subordinate, Rita Moreno and Beverly D'angelo are both perfect in smaller roles that fit in perfectly. But one of the best comedic performances I have seen in a long time, was Pete Riegart the director who was excellent in the title role.

I really cannot believe that he pulled it off as a writer/ actor/ director! But he did this with flying colors and I am pretty sure this film will be the first in a series of really good films with solidly built characters and plot. You will laugh and laugh hard.