Overrated and Depressing: The Savages

The Savages
Directed by Tamara Jenkins
Released November 30, 2007

For starters, "The Savages" is not a comedy. Even moreso than "Margot at the Wedding", this film has a few one-liners but ultimately expands upon truly serious themes with deeply unhappy characters. The self-depricating nature of the three central characters works for a while, but it loses its value before the film can make any point or envision some hopeful future for any of the characters. The opening scene is a lot of fun and very clever, but it is not indicative of the rest of the film. Laura Linney stands out in this cast, but this is definitely not the best role for either her or co-star Philip Seymour Hoffman. Philip Bosco's performance is fleeting and feels unkempt, though his character's dimentia might account for some of that uncertainty. For a while I was enjoying the film, but then I realized that it was really going nowhere and actually quite predictable, and it lacks any element that would take it further and make all the depressing stuff balanced out. There are glimmers of greatness in some of the shots throughout the film, but as a whole, the effort does not show through.

B-

Oscar chances: Linney should be pretty safe, but Hoffman will gather buzz for his other performances. I think Bosco is completely out, and the screenplay will have to fight hard against the other comedies, which are actually comedies: "Juno", "Knocked Up", "Lars and the Real Girl", and "Ratatouille". I think just Linney will make it all the way.