First, upstart Jason Schwartzman does a pretty good job in this role. Baritoness Olivia Williams is a real doll; and Murray does ok as well. No problem with acting.
The main character is the problem. We are supposed to see his eccentricities as charming and/or pitiable.
Unfortunately, his selfish, self-absorption is so bad; he comes off as a presumptuous and pretentious jerk.
He does have an amiable side to him, but it is extremely overshadowed by his 'Richard Craniumism'.
Moreover, he actually crosses over into the mentally unbalanced category. Several times in fact.
What really aggravated me is that the movie never moves on. There is no real plot. Just kind of an autobiography by quasi nutcase (despite the Director's best efforts to make him seem like something more.) Anywho; we were 1/2 way thru this flick when I asked my wife; "Ya wanna keep going? I have the strong feeling the next 45 minutes are going to be more of the same." Evelyn, said, "I do indeed wonder where it's going, but not sure if it's worth the risking another 45 minutes of our lives." But regrettably, we pretty much did.
Two more things; our star looks kinda looks like a young Peter Sellers (Without the humor.) And the object of his affection (Williams), on several occasions, looks like she could be Ferris Bueller's sister no kidding.
Clearly I (we) cannot recommend. I gave it 3 stars because.....because.... Well, maybe because I'm a gracious person filled with charity.
This movie ultimately left a bad taste in our mouths. We quickly cleansed our palates with something even less cerebral, but far more fun & scenic: "Romy & Michelle's HS Reunion":)
Thx
Bob R.
The main character is the problem. We are supposed to see his eccentricities as charming and/or pitiable.
Unfortunately, his selfish, self-absorption is so bad; he comes off as a presumptuous and pretentious jerk.
He does have an amiable side to him, but it is extremely overshadowed by his 'Richard Craniumism'.
Moreover, he actually crosses over into the mentally unbalanced category. Several times in fact.
What really aggravated me is that the movie never moves on. There is no real plot. Just kind of an autobiography by quasi nutcase (despite the Director's best efforts to make him seem like something more.) Anywho; we were 1/2 way thru this flick when I asked my wife; "Ya wanna keep going? I have the strong feeling the next 45 minutes are going to be more of the same." Evelyn, said, "I do indeed wonder where it's going, but not sure if it's worth the risking another 45 minutes of our lives." But regrettably, we pretty much did.
Two more things; our star looks kinda looks like a young Peter Sellers (Without the humor.) And the object of his affection (Williams), on several occasions, looks like she could be Ferris Bueller's sister no kidding.
Clearly I (we) cannot recommend. I gave it 3 stars because.....because.... Well, maybe because I'm a gracious person filled with charity.
This movie ultimately left a bad taste in our mouths. We quickly cleansed our palates with something even less cerebral, but far more fun & scenic: "Romy & Michelle's HS Reunion":)
Thx
Bob R.