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 Rated: PG-13
Starring: Frank Langella, Lauren Ambrose, Lili Taylor, Adrian Lester, Michael Cumpsty
Directed by: Andrew Wagner
Frank Langella gives an amazing performance
in Starting Out in the Evening, an intriguing drama that readily emits
the sufferings of old age and determination.
I liked the film in spite of the mediocre performance by Lauren
Ambrose. It"s a must-see for film buffs
and drama lovers.
In the twilight of his life,
Leonard Schiller wants to complete one last novel. His previous novels have met acclaim, but he
has been absent from the arena for many years.
In addition to his slide from fame, his live-in daughter Ariel (Taylor),
who has been taking care of him, is in a complicated romance that involves her
pregnancy.
By happenstance, a young grad
student from Brown
College, Heather
(Ambrose), decides to write her thesis on Schiller and seeks him out for an
interview. After a lot of resistance,
Schiller decides to go ahead with the interview, especially when he
coincidently finds out his marketing value has fallen drastically.
His outlook
on completing his novel takes a turn for the better following meetings with the
young lady. When their relationship
develops from professional to intimate, and Ariel’s life choices take an about
face, however, Schiller finds himself in a downward spiral.
Langella’s performance as Schiller
is probably his best ever. He made the film very thought provoking, touching
and enjoyable. In addition, Wagner’s
pinpoint direction and attention to detail gave me the feeling that I was a
fly on the wall, eavesdropping on a man whose literary life was nearing an end.
Although the film was very well acted, with a great premise, the writer leaves his characters' stories
incomplete, making for an unresolved ending.
Drama students should enjoy the
wonderful acting skills of Langella, and instructor-accompanied college class
field trips to the film would make for great course interaction.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Starting
out in the Evening is a wonderful thought-provoking film that lovers of
life and drama will enjoy.
This Reviewer's Rating:   4 / 5
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