johnlink ranks STARTING OUT IN THE EVENING (2007)
So here it is… my first virginal ranking of the new year. Starting Out in the Evening is the first movie I’m seeing for the first time in 2009. It was, not coincidentally, the first movie night of 2009. Here’s to many more!
The basic premise of this film is that a young grad student wants to write her thesis on an aging novelist. Reluctantly, he agrees.
I watched STARTING OUT IN THE EVENING (2007) on 1.8.09. It was my first viewing of the film.
NOTE: THIS RANKING UTILIZES THIS SITE’S ORIGINAL SYSTEMIC ARTICLE WRITING METHOD. THE METHOD BY WHICH THE RANKINGS WERE ARRIVED AT, HOWEVER, REMAINS THE SAME.
FILM
This is the sort of story independent film lives for. The themes of familial love and possible neglect are subtle and well toned. Thematically, this is a layered piece which warrants a viewing. The direction is effective, if simplistic. SCORE: 7
MOVIE
Nicely paced, well told. May not call for repeat viewing, but certainly not boring. SCORE: 6
ACTING
Frank Langella is perfect. He is subdued, mannered, calm. His few outbursts come from a real place. This thing never feels acted. Lili Taylor does a nice job as his daughter. Lauren Ambrose (a long way from Can’t Hardly Wait) is superb as the grad student. She knows how to push his buttons, and when to back off. The chemistry between teacher and pupil here is pitch perfect. SCORE: 8
WRITING
Some nice work here. I was a little put off by the completion of the daughter’s story line. I felt like she got cheated. Maybe that’s the point. But the arc of the two major characters is well laid out, though very predictable. SCORE: 6
FINAL TALLY
FILM: 7; MOVIE: 6; ACTING:8; WRITING: 6
7+6+8+6+0 = 27
FINAL SCORE: 6.75
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