Jerome, the young man at the center of this story, changes his suburban existence for the art scene being taught at Strathmore's, a place that should be avoided like the plague. Jerome, who has been the butt of all the bullies in suburbia soon discovers the big city is not exactly prepared to accept him, or his art.
Jerome is an insecure young man who learns quickly his art professors see things in a different fashion, as is the case with Mr. Sandiford, an artist himself, who tries to discourage the young people in his class at any given moment. In a way, Sandiford, who is also a mediocre painter, can't stand the competition of the bright new would be artists that he is supposed to teach and mold.
The young man becomes entranced by a beautiful young female model, Audrey, who doesn't realize she is the object of Jerome's affections. Since he is not attracting any compliments from the teacher, Jerome decides to take some of the eccentric Jimmy's drawings to make collages and present them as his own, without any positive reaction from anyone. He is also instrumental in the fire that consumes the dilapidated building in which Jimmy lives.
Terry Zwigoff, whose previous films have dealt with off beat characters in films such as "Crumb", and "Ghost Life", doesn't quite make it with his take on Jerome. Working with his screen writer, Daniel Clowes, he doesn't quite pull it off.
Max Minghella plays Jerome, the potential artist who doesn't seem to believe in his own talent. Best thing in the film is John Malkevich, who plays Sandiford, with perfect pitch. Jim Broadbent is perfect as Jimmy, a man who has given up on his art and on life. Sophie Myles is an enigma as Audrey because she seems lifeless in her role.
One can only wish Terry Zwigoff better luck next time.
Jerome is an insecure young man who learns quickly his art professors see things in a different fashion, as is the case with Mr. Sandiford, an artist himself, who tries to discourage the young people in his class at any given moment. In a way, Sandiford, who is also a mediocre painter, can't stand the competition of the bright new would be artists that he is supposed to teach and mold.
The young man becomes entranced by a beautiful young female model, Audrey, who doesn't realize she is the object of Jerome's affections. Since he is not attracting any compliments from the teacher, Jerome decides to take some of the eccentric Jimmy's drawings to make collages and present them as his own, without any positive reaction from anyone. He is also instrumental in the fire that consumes the dilapidated building in which Jimmy lives.
Terry Zwigoff, whose previous films have dealt with off beat characters in films such as "Crumb", and "Ghost Life", doesn't quite make it with his take on Jerome. Working with his screen writer, Daniel Clowes, he doesn't quite pull it off.
Max Minghella plays Jerome, the potential artist who doesn't seem to believe in his own talent. Best thing in the film is John Malkevich, who plays Sandiford, with perfect pitch. Jim Broadbent is perfect as Jimmy, a man who has given up on his art and on life. Sophie Myles is an enigma as Audrey because she seems lifeless in her role.
One can only wish Terry Zwigoff better luck next time.