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MOVIE REVIEW
Half Nelson
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Anthony Mackie, Shareeka Epps
Written by: Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
Directed by: Ryan Fleck
In Half Nelson, first time feature film director Fleck presents a metaphor for life's challenges. This wrestling hold puts you in a compromised position and it is difficult to release from it. A drug-addicted junior high school teacher (a subtle and focused Gosling) forms an unlikely but not unreasonable friendship with one of his students, Drey (Epps). The end result is a somber yet realistic story.
In this role, the talented Gosling (The Notebook, The United States of Leland) turns in a quietly moving, haunting, riveting performance as this intelligent teacher who finds himself stagnated and questioning his impact on society. It is entirely relatable.
Who has not felt that way at one point? Why do I do this job? Do I matter as one individual in the overall schematics of the world? Everyone else seems to be moving along, as one should. People seem happy, settled, and comfortable. The inner-city characters are real. He plans to write a book but never gets around to starting it. His ex-girlfriend is engaged. His parents reminisce about their glory days protesting Vietnam and other issues of the 60s. During a family dinner, the mom even puts on "Free to Be You and Me" while getting drunk and dancing around with her sons. Even his students are more focused than him.
Drey learns of his secret double life and forms an alliance. She's wise beyond her years, being a latch key kid and having an older brother in lock-up.
Epps makes a solid, innately natural first-time acting debut.
Fleck interposes quiet moments with quick hand-held camera shots to weave the story. His directorial approach is entirely effective as the ending is left open, allowing filmgoers to leave the theatre in deep thought or in intense conversation regarding the numerous provocative elements within the film-Dan faces the difficulties of making a difference, of advancing one's life and of doing enough.
Dan is a fully functional crackhead, has a novel teaching approach and is a favorite among his pupils. Yet he has many dark, insular days and darker nights. He is a troubled soul that cannot often get out of his own mind or change the sheets on the bed.
Half Nelson starts slow but is gritty and honest in its portrayal of a flawed individual who strives toward living the good life.
ThinkFilm
Grade: ** 1/2
By Amy Steele
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