Roll-M: Keeping the Faith |
Keeping the Faith (starring Ben Stiller, Jenna Elfman, Ed Norton; written by Stuart Blumberg; produced and directed by Edward Norton; rated PG-13).
Generally, when a film's producer, director and star are one in the same person, you can expect an overly long vanity piece in which every scene is considered deathless and sacrosanct. Such films are usually in dire need of the editor's shears. Generally. I am pleased to say that Keeping the Faith, a tour-de-force for Ed Norton (no, not Ralph Kramden's pal, the other Ed Norton) manages to rise above most ego-driven films. Norton is truly a talent to be reckoned with.
He co-stars as an Irish priest, competing for the attention of waspish Jenna Elfman, along with his best friend and fellow clergyman Ben Stiller, a very hip bachelor rabbi. All three had been childhood buddies. Now Elfman, a successful businesswoman, has returned to town to stir things up. Naturally Norton begins to question his vows as he falls for her, while the rabbi also has to deal with his feelings for a shiksa rather than the dorky Jewish girls his congregation would like him to marry.
After a number of silly sight gags during the first couple of reels (all of which are shown in the movie's trailer), this lightweight comedy gets rolling. The humor is non-offensive to any religion, if a bit cliched, and it's one of the first "feel-good" movies of the year. So go already and enjoy! (Three Owls)
High Fidelity (starring John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso, Jack Black, Lisa Bonet, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Joan Cusack and Tim Robbins; based on the novel by Nick Hornby, screenplay by D.V. DeVincentis, Steve Pink, John Cusack and Scott Rosenberg; directed by Stephen Frears; rated R).
I think the reason I found High Fidelity so fascinating is that I actually know someone who reminds me of the main character in the movie - a man obsessed with music and record albums, whose house is decorated in "early CD," and who could have been the prototype for the John Cusack role. Cusack plays Rob Gordon, a retro music store owner with a penchant for making "Top Five" lists. His main list consists of the top five break-ups with girlfriends, his other obsession. Cusack breaks the fourth wall from the start by speaking to the audience (a la "Alfie"), which makes it a bit difficult at first to get into the movie, but eventually, you forget about this device. The characters who people the film (including sister Joan Cusack) are so real and well done, you'll swear you've known them, or people just like them. And there's a great, if somewhat older-skewing soundtrack, plus a cool cameo by Bruce Springsteen. Tim Robbins and Sara Gilbert also have very minor roles.
High Fidelity is not mainstream filmmaking, but sure to find an audience among those who enjoy good direction, a pop tune-laden soundtrack, and a few laughs at the movies. (Three and a half owls)