Lonesome Jim (2005)

Jim returns home to his family, who live in a white, working class, American small town in Indiana. He originally left home to become a successful writer in New York and has returned after failing. Jim gradually becomes closer to the family that he originally wanted to escape (an over protective mother, a disenchanted father, a divorced brother who tries to commit suicide).He begins a relationship with a local single mother who shows him respect that he didn't expect. Despite having no big dramatic moments the film holds your attention.A low key, good natured, dark humoured comedy.

I've long been a follower of Steve Buscemi - as actor, writer and director. Trees Lounge, in which he performed all three roles, is one of my all-time favourite films. Whenever I see his name attached to a film in any way (the dire Armageddon aside) it's enough to make me think it'll be worth the money. He certainly doesn't disappoint here. There's a quiet beauty to this film, which is all to do with the keenly observant writing, the sensitive direction and the wonderfully subtle and understated performances by the cast. Liv Tyler shows she's more than just a pretty face - but Casey Affleck steals it. He's such an under-rated actor - far superior, in my opinion, to his more celebrated brother. Afficionados of more mainstream Hollywood fodder might not find much to latch onto here - but that's also part of the beauty of it. What seems like superficial characterisation is, in fact, an object lesson in subtlety and depth. I had a smile on my face for most of this. A rare gem of a movie indeed. 10 out of 10.

I thought it was a beautiful movie. Casey Afflect is a pleasure and joy to watch. Great young actor. The story was simply touching. I recommend it for only adults though. The content would be difficult for a younger child to understand. It's not a movie for young children not because it is based on vulgarity, but on adult issues and emotional struggles. I commend Casey, and Liv for taking the roles. They both did exceptionally beautiful jobs. Both brought tenderness and life to a very complex and difficult story to portray. Someone said Casey mentioned he does not enjoy acting. Even if he doesn't, he is truly gifted in this area and is a moving actor. He ranks up there with Joaquin Phonenix and Leonardo DeCaprio in my book. I hope he continues to deliver us more performances. He is my favorite in all Hollywood.

I feel that the subtle nature of this film will make it appeal to people that enjoy Wes Anderson movies. The characters are strong and there's plenty of conflict. I genuinely laughed four or five times during the film. The cinematography was also subtle with lots of still shots, and long lenses. The only thing that was lacking from the story was an outburst of some kind from Jim. He's so quiet through the whole movie that the audience would have appreciated a scene where he raises his voice and gets physically assertive. Perhaps that wouldn't work for Jim's character, but the film could have done with a few more outbursts to break up the quiet environment. Overall, I loved it. If you've gone to college and aren't locked into a career path yet, this movie really hits home. I hope that Steve Buscemi continues to make more projects like this.