2 Jacks (2012)

There is no question that not knowing the Tolstoy story "Two Hussars" will mean you will miss half the humor and irony in 2 Jacks. Read Two Hussars, it is a quick read short story, and good translations are free on the web, and then enjoy this film

This father and son tale of 2 Jacks begins appropriately enough at a non-operating, nothing happening luggage turnstile in the L.A. airport. In between, interest mounts as the suave, feckless and restless father roams a nearly black and white Hollywood in search of financing for what apparently became an Oscar winning but off-screen unnamed effort--the financing for which hinged on a pair of jacks. The movie has its peak midstream with a semi-impromptu song and dance show stopper featuring an entrancing Izabella Miko--who is then unceremoniously, literally and inexplicably dumped, apparently to signal the movie's hyper-colored slide down the backside of the story into the son's not so deft experiences, ending at the same dull nothing happening turnstile where his father started.

Writer/Director Bernard Rose continues in his series of Tolstoy adaptations with his latest Two Jacks, starring Danny Huston and Jack Huston. Danny Huston plays once successful and revered Hollywood director Jack Hussar. Upon his return to Los Angeles, Jack hopes to procure financing for his newest project. Jack with, his nightly attendance to glamorous parties and continuous smoking make him a classic Hollywood filmmaker. But he is not without a bit of compassion or clever thinking. Following a lifetime later is Jack's son, who shares both his name and passion for filmmaking. Not to mention his charm and reputation. Jack Jr. as his journey begins also aspires to procure financing for his filmmaking debut. The two Jack's do well to carry themselves with confidence and a touch of arrogance in some cases, but not without sympathy or flaw. The cinematography speaks with an artistic new wave cinema vérité style. The color is tinted in Jack Sr. scenes giving the impression of a time in film long gone. Unfortunately, this sort of filmmaking is not for everyone. However I found this to be done due to the unique vision of the director.For those familiar with the style or Roses previous work, Two Jacks is sure to please with its solid performances and artistic storytelling.

A film about love, lost memories, and living up to expectations. Bernard Rose's 'Two Jacks', starring Dany Huston, Jack Huston, and Sienna miller, is an indie comedy drama based on Leo Tolstoy's iconic short story Two Hussars. It is the tale of legendary film director Jack Hussar (Danny Huston) who returns to Hollywood after a lengthy absence, looking to finance a new project. His return to the scene is met with awe and excitement. In a series of wild adventures, he hits the bottle, seduces a beautiful woman (Sienna Miller) and fights with studio execs, winning the money he needs in a poker game. Twenty years down the line, the filmmakers son (Jack Huston) comes to town to make his directorial debut amid curiosity as to whether he's inherited his fathers gift. Two Jacks is the latest film in Bernard Rose's fascinating, ongoing Tolstoy project. It's sharply intelligent, ingenious and an insightful modern day adaptation of a Tolstoy's story. Dany Huston outlays a fanciful performance as the self absorbed, boozing, washed up director, who is seen as somewhat of a legend through the eyes of many in Hollywood. Jack Huston, portraying Jack Hussar JR, gives a great performance as the youthful, naive director trying to live up to his fathers name. The Two Jacks are very similar in nature, they are both party loving, alcohol drinking womanisers trying to make it in the nebulous business of Hollywood. And both actors do an outstanding job of portraying such characters. The film is visually stunning: the eye catching backdrop of the Hollywood Hills is matched by the spectacular costumes designed by Julia Clancy. Two Jacks is Bernard Roses's fourth film in his Tolystoy series. A gripping adaptation that will no doubt have viewers captivated. Definitely worth a watch.