It's not often in today's movies of blatant political stances and in-your-face messages that we can find a film that simply subtly makes its point, but that's just what The Visitor does. Walter is a windowed professor living alone who is forced to return to his New York City apartment to attend a conference. But when he arrives he's in for a surprise: two immigrants living in his apartment under a perfectly innocent misunderstanding. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, Walter allows them to stay, and changes his own life irrevocably.
Of course it's not long until the young man is arrested and put up in a prison awaiting deportation. Soon after the young man's mother arrives at Walter's doorstep. Together they set about working to free him from charges. And in this modern everyday occurrence, Walter finds inside himself a passion, a fire, a life he hasn't known for a long time.
And that's the beauty of this lovely little film. While it examines a common political issue in a thoughtful and mature way, it is also a charming examination of life. Walter is a man who has settled into a pointless, unhappy existence. Every thing about his demeanor shows it. But with this new, exciting development in his life, he is able to live for something, do something meaningful to him once again. As the young man living in his apartment teaches him African drum lessons, it is not only an amusing picture of progression, but is also a metaphor for reawakening. As Walter begins to assert himself his manner changes; He becomes more alive. And as he plays the drums faster and louder it is the beat of change coming into his life again.
Not enough can be said of Richard Jenkins wonderfully subtle and nuanced performance. This veteran actor is truly at his best, and he reaches his way into your heart without your even realizing it. Haaz Sleiman also delivers in a charming and reverberating performance as the arrested young man that Walter befriends. The film is simple; production values are nothing amazing, and the script is not the best, yet somehow this doesn't detract from the film's overall effect.
Truly, this is a film that deserves to be seen. It is simple, intelligent, subtle, and profound. It calls attention to it's issue, and causes us to reexamine our own thoughts. And it's a wonderful tribute to life lived passionately. Take the time to see this underseen little gem. 7/10 stars!
Jay Addison
Of course it's not long until the young man is arrested and put up in a prison awaiting deportation. Soon after the young man's mother arrives at Walter's doorstep. Together they set about working to free him from charges. And in this modern everyday occurrence, Walter finds inside himself a passion, a fire, a life he hasn't known for a long time.
And that's the beauty of this lovely little film. While it examines a common political issue in a thoughtful and mature way, it is also a charming examination of life. Walter is a man who has settled into a pointless, unhappy existence. Every thing about his demeanor shows it. But with this new, exciting development in his life, he is able to live for something, do something meaningful to him once again. As the young man living in his apartment teaches him African drum lessons, it is not only an amusing picture of progression, but is also a metaphor for reawakening. As Walter begins to assert himself his manner changes; He becomes more alive. And as he plays the drums faster and louder it is the beat of change coming into his life again.
Not enough can be said of Richard Jenkins wonderfully subtle and nuanced performance. This veteran actor is truly at his best, and he reaches his way into your heart without your even realizing it. Haaz Sleiman also delivers in a charming and reverberating performance as the arrested young man that Walter befriends. The film is simple; production values are nothing amazing, and the script is not the best, yet somehow this doesn't detract from the film's overall effect.
Truly, this is a film that deserves to be seen. It is simple, intelligent, subtle, and profound. It calls attention to it's issue, and causes us to reexamine our own thoughts. And it's a wonderful tribute to life lived passionately. Take the time to see this underseen little gem. 7/10 stars!
Jay Addison