I’ve never understood all the hype about Catcher in the Rye . . . a moderately well-written book that tells a rather uninteresting story which leads to no concrete conclusions. Knowing this information, one might rightly question the forthcoming review of a film that for all intents and purposes is a modern cinematic retelling of Salinger‘s tome. Ibgy Goes Down is a surprisingly touching and funny film that succeeds in spite of (or because of) its cynical and unempathetic tone.
Now, few will deny that this film is filled with baseness and vulgarity well off the charts. Yet, here is what else it has (which Catcher in the Rye seemingly lacks): heart. I wouldn’t disagree with anyone who claimed Igby is a self-righteous, foul-mouthed, bitter, unkind, sad wretch of a protagonist. As true as this may be, what kept me in this film and routing for this character is the fact that, in spite of his attempts not to, Igby is also caring, forgiving, and (yes) loving. If anything, this film is about a character desperately trying not to care, but who so evidently does; and, more so, who is in deep need of someone to genuinely care for him.
I have nothing but the highest praise for writer/director Burr Steers whose screenplay is brilliant. The dialogue is smart (even when crude) and Steers understands the power of silence as much as the spoken word (which is amazing for a first time writer/director). Kieran Culkin, as Igby, makes the entire film go around. Without his understated, yet below-the-skin thunderous, performance, this film would fail to connect. Bravo to the entire creative team who took Igby down so that we could go up.
I love this film. Kierean Culkin was a revelation, the supporting cast was also great particularly Amanda Peet. There is a long tradition in cinema and literature where a protagonist has to get lost (physically or emotionally, it doesn’t really matter which) before they can find themselves. This film captures that perfectly.
Very well said. Culkin kept me in the film and the supporting cast were on their game. I generally applaud any film that leaves me wanting to see more and Igby did just that . . . I’d very much like to see the second chapter. Thanks for sharing your comments.
I think this movie’s great because of it’s ability to draw perspective, everyone that watches the film wants something, or wants to defend something in the movie. It plays on the watchers ability keep themselves a watcher and not become involved. Every time I’ve shown someone this film the reaction is the same, the large majority charmed by Culkin’s draw as not only an obnoxious kid but exactly as you said caring, forgiving, and loving.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments in response to my review. I’ve haven’t had as much opportunity as I would like to recommend this film (I wonder what this says about my friends . . . or perhaps me), but I’m glad you’re still spreading the word and getting it in front of people. The sad culture of the entertainment (ahem, film) industry today is that yesterday’s story is so often forgotten. Look at people’s top 10 film list and it is full of movies that hit cinemas in the last 12-18 months. I wonder what is says of human nature (and I put myself right in that mix) that we forget yesterday’s story in search of tomorrow’s tale? Is it triteness, anticipation, general forgetfulness, or fear that if we look too deeply into old stories (especially our own) that we will find flaws and gaps that we’d rather not see? Perhaps it’s none of those things and we are merely beguiled by marketing. Still, I’m glad for “old” films like Igby Goes Down. Thanks for stopping by and for adding your own thoughts to this blog!