So Mike White portrayed a good-natured stalker stuck in the age of 11 apparently because of his mother infantilizing him well into his 20s. But what in the world is there remarkable about this movie? The movie clearly has some plot of sorts, but why go through the pains of having a plot if the main character remains the same throughout the movie, and the whole movie seems devoid of any closure. What did you guys all like about this movie? Share this secret with me.
I don't know, I just liked it. I just like Mike White. The character is so ludricrous, yet I believed him. It was so disturbing and real I wanted to scream. It's been a few years since I've seen it, so the only thing that really stands out in my mind is his performance.
shareHow many "normal" people do you know who emotionally never made it past eleven? Personally, I found Mike White's Buck to be an incredibly rich and detailed character and that is remarkable. Not at all a good-natured stalker. An adult male stuck in pre-teen emotional hell without a ladder. That's something else I found remarkable. The fact that Mike White wrote this as well as giving a brilliant performance is remarkable, too.
If you ever get a chance to work with developmentally disabled people, you'll discover for yourself why Mike White's character is so remarkable. This character is painfully real.
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I thought this was a great movie because it had a really unique plot. Mike White did a really good job of pretending to be that "11 year old kid" down to the very last detail; the suckers, the toys, the collages, and even how he played with the kids. I just thought that over all the thought of a sad "gay" love story was a really good idea for a movie. Major props to Mike White. Just one quwstion though: Where was Jack Black?!
shareI'll tell you why I like this movie so much.
First, I like the usage of a digital camera. It looks cheap, but it makes it more intimate.
2. Lupe Ontiveros is wonderful! This is the only film I have ever seen her in, but I just love her here. She is the hidden gem in this film IMHO and is great in every scene.
3. The movie is disturbing as hell. I can't think of another movie that makes me feel as uncomfortale as this one does. Mike White IS Buck. There is never any doubt about it. He just oozes with strangeness.
4. The scene where Buck picks Sam to perform in the play is priceless. After such a horrid audition, Buck insists on Sam. Beverly's shocking reaction to Buck's insistence is hilarious.
5. Buck showing up at Chuck's party. Gosh this is an uncomfortable situation for Chuck when Buck talks about the "good ol days" to Chuck's friends. And the way he came dressed, with the Member's Only jacket. LOL.
6. The movie seems so real and so intimate and uncomfortable. It really brings out emotions galore. I think the keys to it all are the grainy digital film and the acting. The acting is just so on the money from nearly everyone. Sure there aren't any big time actors in this movie, but everyone nails it here.
7. Oh yeah... I love the soundtrack! It fits this movie to a T.
I totally agree with yossarian100 who said:
"If you ever get a chance to work with developmentally disabled people, you'll discover for yourself why Mike White's character is so remarkable. This character is painfully real."
My friend just finished her thesis on sexuality and teens with learning disabilities and how to re-educate them to make sure they are safe and won't put themselves or others in vulnerable situations.
She wrote about how adolescence is a difficult time anyway, but children with developmental problems often confuse the boundary between friendship and sex. This film is a really interesting exploration of these ideas and what could possibly happen when these issues aren't properly resolved.
It's a brave film to make and I'm glad it was so sensitively made without resorting to cheap gags at Buck's expense to get a laugh.
I'd say he didn't remain the same, IMO. It's the wedding scene that makes me think that. He and Chuck have a moment where they smile and there's no awkwardness at all. Every scene before that, except for the hotel room one, had awkwardness between the two.
But at the end, not only is there no awkward feelings, but Buck doesn't even talk to Chuck. They just go their own ways and move on.
I wouldn't call it particularly remarkable but it was a good movie. I had a lot of sympathy for Buck. It touched a topic a lot of people would not dare to touch also.
I am the son of a man named Tom.