In Beginners, Oliver (Ewan McGregor, The Ghost Writer) is mourning the passing of his father, Hal (Christopher Plummer, The Last Station) when he meets the beautiful, but mute (due to laryngitis), Anna (Mélanie Laurent, Inglourious Basterds) at a costume party. Before his passing, Hal had came out of the closet after his wife of 45 years had died of cancer. The two stories are told concurrently. Writer/Director Mike Mills was inspired by the true story of his own father, who at 75, embraced his homosexuality and began a new life.
As Oliver’s story begins, Hal’s story is also told; not a flashback but a parallel story that is narrated from Oliver’s point of view. Oliver is remembering his father, and realizes that he remembers events differently than the way they actually happened. In life we all do this. We somehow twist our memories into something other than the truth, and we trick ourselves into thinking it’s reality. We think someone was wearing a green shirt, but they were actually wearing a blue one. These are minor details that get lost in our minds.
Christopher Plummer is a delight as Hal. He portrays a childlike innocence yet is able to manage his relationship with the wisdom of his age. He is enjoying his life and always keeps up a positive attitude. There is an element of charm that Christopher Plummer brings to Hal that could not be pulled off by other actors.
Ewan McGregor and Mélanie Laurent as Oliver and Anna are understated and sweet. Their relationship goes through ups and downs and their romance is not perfect. It was refreshing to see a regular relationship go through issues that were not overly dramatic and it did not overshadow the message of the film.
Another very bright spot was Arthur, Hal’s Jack Russell terrier. He was completely dedicated to Hal and now becomes attached to Oliver. I won’t ruin it for you, but any dog owner/lover will be smitten.
Maybe it’s because I’ve been in a romantic mood, but I really enjoyed watching Beginners unfold. It’s not quick-moving, but I loved every minute of it. It won’t be a hit, it will not get much press, but I’m hoping it will be able to reach as many as possible. This is a film that will be enjoyed years to come as other pass along their experience.
Rating: A sweet, slow-burner 7/10
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