Monday, May 5, 2008

The Savages (2007) R - 3½ Stars

Though the movie sometimes seemed to drag on, I did enjoy it. A tale of a sad family faced with the fact dad needs a nursing home. Dry humor but some funny parts to it too.

Wendy Savage (Laura Linney) steals office supplies, uses her day time job to label and ship her proposal letters for her new play, and for fun, sleeps with her neighbor Larry (Peter Friedman), who is very much married. She's even gone as far as taking money from FEMA after 911, just to make ends meet. She lies for attention and to make herself look better in her brothers eyes.

Wendy's brother Jon Savage (Philip Seymour Hoffman), is a professor and teacher of theater. He's been living with a polish girl for 3 years now but her VISA is expired and rather than commit, he allows her to leave the United States to return to her native Poland. His life is going through a sort of mid-life of it's own.

When Lenny Savage (Philip Bosco) starts showing signs of dementia and his long-term live in girlfriend suddenly dies, Wendy and Jon are faced with what to do with dear old dad. He's found writing nasty notes to the nurse with his poop on the wall. As the three go in search of homes, they all must come to grips with their lives and what is truly important in them.

Awards include:

2007 - The Savages - American Film Institute - Best Picture
2007 - The Savages - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Male Lead
2007 - The Savages - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Screenplay 2007 - The Savages - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay

Fox Searchlight Pictures
Director: Tamara Jenkins
Writer: Tamara Jenkins
Producer: Fred Westheimer, Erica Westheimer, Ted Hope
I viewed 5/08

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