The film Men, Women & Children is another societal exploration of American / western culture by Jason Reitman. It is a freakishly good movie. I didn't really know what to expect, to be honest the trailers were not that engaging, but this character driven movie captivated me. It's a little long and the slow pace is not helping but every minutes were worth the cramp I got on my ass from sitting too long in the movie theater.
Every character had their kinks and quirks, a singularity about them that some people might call one dimensional, I disagree. The message wouldn't have been so loud and clear if the characters didn't have a stereotypical aspect to them. By the way what was the message? It sure feels like there's one but the at the same time it doesn't feel like it's patronizing message. I think it is whatever you feel it is, you will definitely leave with something, but it might not be the same as the people who sat next to you. In that sense the movie feels neutral, showing you how it is and how it can affect lives.
The movie is not as heavy as the trailers suggest, well it is heavy but there were light and funny moments that helped not making the film a drag. The way Reitman opened his subject made sense and it was tastefully done. Unlike the web he left some things to the imagination or implied them. The film goes to "scary" places, revealing some heavy uncomfortable things about teenagers, parents, couples, and society. You go to these places because it's done every so slightly, tastefully, step by step.
It was a great assemble of a cast, there is not a bad performance in this movie. Each of the actors play their part on this beautiful movie that is Men, Women & Children.
If you haven't seen this movie, please check it out, and I would like to know if the movie resonated with you? Tweet me @wornoutspines
