Kevin Kline creates the sort of character we haven't seen in a long time, not since Clifton Webb, Noel Coward or even George Sanders, an actor dares to step into the uncomfortable zone with so much wit and panache. He is the reason to see the film and in my book, that's reason enough. Paul Dano is wonderful but he projects a strange feeling. As if he has been removed from the pot a bit too quickly. He doesn't look quite done yet. Thoroughly undercooked. One has the overwhelming feeling, he won't be able to survive in this world. The film, as film, doesn't have the aspirations of Paul Schrader's "The Walker" nor its darkness but if you're not put off by a slightly tentative direction, you're in for a treat.
34 Reviews
Essential characters, but awfully weird
napierslogs5 January 2011
Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline) is "The Extra Man", but to him, he's an "essential man". He seems to live in a time and class that he doesn't physically occupy. Louis Ives (Paul Dano) would really just like to be a character in an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. These characteristics were so intriguing at the beginning of the film because there are a lot of thoughtful and interesting directions to take it.
They make a great pairing, except for the fact that Henry isn't just homophobic, but proudly and defiantly, extremely homophobic, and Louis is proudly and completely confused. And neither of them understand the nature of their friendship. When the film chooses to explore Louis' inner transvestite and getting deeper into Henry's obsession as the essential man, everything just gets weird.
"The Extra Man" is an extremely intelligent film. There was clearly a lot of effort put into the writing, the characters, the acting and the making of this film, but the weird directions it took were too much for me. I want to recommend it to those who like smart, philosophical, but weird, independent films. Just look out for some "sexually deviant behaviour".
They make a great pairing, except for the fact that Henry isn't just homophobic, but proudly and defiantly, extremely homophobic, and Louis is proudly and completely confused. And neither of them understand the nature of their friendship. When the film chooses to explore Louis' inner transvestite and getting deeper into Henry's obsession as the essential man, everything just gets weird.
"The Extra Man" is an extremely intelligent film. There was clearly a lot of effort put into the writing, the characters, the acting and the making of this film, but the weird directions it took were too much for me. I want to recommend it to those who like smart, philosophical, but weird, independent films. Just look out for some "sexually deviant behaviour".
Witty, amusing, don't pass this by
vovers116 September 2021
I couldn't find out why its not a masterpiece
burkayadalig22 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
a great ensemble of good story and cinematography, well established characters, nice acting and well chosen soundtrack...I simply couldn't find out why its not a masterpiece. But you'll certainly see something 'new'
Paul Dano is brilliant in his role as Louis Ives, the young gentleman who struggles about his sexual identity and being born late to this world... Kevin Kline is great in playing the eccentric landlord.
The story is great but it has some flaws in the script, such an original movie should have had some catchy, clever lines. there should have been more references to Fitzgerald and James since the character is a teacher of English literature and basically lives the life of a gentleman of old times
Paul Dano is brilliant in his role as Louis Ives, the young gentleman who struggles about his sexual identity and being born late to this world... Kevin Kline is great in playing the eccentric landlord.
The story is great but it has some flaws in the script, such an original movie should have had some catchy, clever lines. there should have been more references to Fitzgerald and James since the character is a teacher of English literature and basically lives the life of a gentleman of old times
Well, it's original and interesting
jsmith14801 August 2010
Bring Clifton Webb forward 60 years, add wackiness, and you have Kevin Kline as the eccentric bachelor in a rent-stabilized dump on the Upper East Side (yes, there are such flats still). His new roomie played by Paul Dano has a poignance, a sad yearning that I haven't seen conveyed so well since Timothy Bottoms in "Last Picture Show." Dano has the sort of face you only see nowadays looking at you across time in family pictures from a century ago or more. The face is ingenuous, pure. The kind of face that America just doesn't make anymore.
Both characters have built protective walls around themselves, perhaps necessarily. Though they fascinate each other, and unintentionally entertain each other, they can't decide whether or not to be real allies.
The older man depends on super-annuated ladies of wealth for his dining out and his winters in Florida. The younger man, though straight, enjoys wearing ladies lingerie while having sex. It can be all a bit depressing.But there's a soft landing, a nice ending to this opus all around.
Both characters have built protective walls around themselves, perhaps necessarily. Though they fascinate each other, and unintentionally entertain each other, they can't decide whether or not to be real allies.
The older man depends on super-annuated ladies of wealth for his dining out and his winters in Florida. The younger man, though straight, enjoys wearing ladies lingerie while having sex. It can be all a bit depressing.But there's a soft landing, a nice ending to this opus all around.
Average Stuff....
namashi_12 January 2011
Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini's 'The Extra Man' is average stuff... that had the potential to come out as a pure gem. But, the writing is weak, especially in the final 30-minutes.
'The Extra Man', based on a novel, tells the story of a failed playwright, who develops an odd mentor relationship with a Louis Ives, a troubled, cross-dressing, aspiring writer to whom, he sublets a room in his New York apartment.
The idea, is fairly interesting, and it does hit the right points in the beginning. But, after a point, the writing begins to lose. The pace suddenly dips, and even the culmination comes out bland. Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini's adapted screenplay is flawed. Their direction is just about okay.
Performance-Wise: Kevin Kline is damn good. He is the life of the show. Paul Dano does reasonably well, while John C. Reilly sports a hideous get-up. Katie Holmes is alright. Alicia Goranson is fair.
On the whole, an average effort, that had great potential, but sadly, gets wasted due to weak writing. Watch it if you must!
'The Extra Man', based on a novel, tells the story of a failed playwright, who develops an odd mentor relationship with a Louis Ives, a troubled, cross-dressing, aspiring writer to whom, he sublets a room in his New York apartment.
The idea, is fairly interesting, and it does hit the right points in the beginning. But, after a point, the writing begins to lose. The pace suddenly dips, and even the culmination comes out bland. Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini's adapted screenplay is flawed. Their direction is just about okay.
Performance-Wise: Kevin Kline is damn good. He is the life of the show. Paul Dano does reasonably well, while John C. Reilly sports a hideous get-up. Katie Holmes is alright. Alicia Goranson is fair.
On the whole, an average effort, that had great potential, but sadly, gets wasted due to weak writing. Watch it if you must!
A quirky characters' study with a few funny moments
dierregi15 August 2017
Young Louis loves F. Scott Fitzgerald and cross-dressing. One day he gets fired from the university where he teaches, because caught trying on a bra. Louis moves to New York and takes lodgings in the dirty apartment of Henry Harrison. Kline as Harrison is as quirky and hilarious as Otto in A Fish Named Wanda, only slightly older.
Louis and Henry have one of the most bizarre relationships I saw on screen. Louis starts working for an environmental magazine and sort of falls for Mary, a colleague, while exploring his fetish with paid professionals. Henry is very cagey about his past and very keen about his "job" as an escort of elderly, rich ladies. Louis is fascinated by Henry, and asks to be introduced to some of his friends.
Louis and Mary romance never really takes off. I found that more realistic than a love story, considering how weird the Louis character is. Having lost his father while young, Louis seems very confused about everything and hanging on to Henry as a father figure. However, Henry is very reluctant to taken on a fatherly role. Henry believes he is a gentleman, he has some repulsive ideas (women should not get an education), lives in a filthy and squalid apartment and forces his way as a guest in his rich friends Palm Beach houses.
More quirkiness - maybe too much? - is added by neighbor Gershon, an hirsute weirdo with a funny voice.
I liked Kline as Henry, because he made his pathetic and repulsive character almost endearing. John C. Reilly was also good as Gershon. Not sure about Dano's interpretation: a dreamer with little social skills, who likes the roaring Twenties and dressing as a woman is a lot to manage. Also, his Louis is not particularly sympathetic, which perhaps adds a bit of realism to the story.
Louis and Henry have one of the most bizarre relationships I saw on screen. Louis starts working for an environmental magazine and sort of falls for Mary, a colleague, while exploring his fetish with paid professionals. Henry is very cagey about his past and very keen about his "job" as an escort of elderly, rich ladies. Louis is fascinated by Henry, and asks to be introduced to some of his friends.
Louis and Mary romance never really takes off. I found that more realistic than a love story, considering how weird the Louis character is. Having lost his father while young, Louis seems very confused about everything and hanging on to Henry as a father figure. However, Henry is very reluctant to taken on a fatherly role. Henry believes he is a gentleman, he has some repulsive ideas (women should not get an education), lives in a filthy and squalid apartment and forces his way as a guest in his rich friends Palm Beach houses.
More quirkiness - maybe too much? - is added by neighbor Gershon, an hirsute weirdo with a funny voice.
I liked Kline as Henry, because he made his pathetic and repulsive character almost endearing. John C. Reilly was also good as Gershon. Not sure about Dano's interpretation: a dreamer with little social skills, who likes the roaring Twenties and dressing as a woman is a lot to manage. Also, his Louis is not particularly sympathetic, which perhaps adds a bit of realism to the story.
A vaguely interesting look into several wacky characters
Gordon-114 December 2010
This film is about a male playwright and part time escort who takes on a young professor with transvestite tendency as his flatmate.
"The Extra Man" is an interesting look into the lives of three wacky characters, but it does not offer much else. It is engaging enough to make you keep watching, but it does not make you beg for more. The film concentrates on how the characters are at present, but it gives little insight into why they are the way they are. I expect that this kind of film to be more introspective, but it is not. The weird interpersonal relationships among all the characters are vaguely interesting, maybe I cannot get into them more because their universe is so far from mine.
"The Extra Man" is an interesting look into the lives of three wacky characters, but it does not offer much else. It is engaging enough to make you keep watching, but it does not make you beg for more. The film concentrates on how the characters are at present, but it gives little insight into why they are the way they are. I expect that this kind of film to be more introspective, but it is not. The weird interpersonal relationships among all the characters are vaguely interesting, maybe I cannot get into them more because their universe is so far from mine.
'eh'
meteoritekid11 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This review contains some spoilers. It contains some details that will make the film less of a mystery than if you had stopped reading here. If you are going to see this movie, I suggest you do not read this or any other reviews, and go and see the movie for yourself.
Spoilers.
The first problem was that I walked into this film with high expectations. With Kevin Kline, John C. Reilly, and a classically cliché, but always amusing plot line (as per the previews) of an out-dated aristocrat teaching his trade? How could it go wrong?
Well, the plot that I expected was completely lost in the film's actual theme, which was repressed sexual deviations in people who actually desire to live normal, morally upstanding lives. It followed the tune of Russian literature thematically, taking a psychological aspect of a person and exploring it to the point at which the characters become the trait that they are created to express, resulting in the creation of purely ridiculous scenarios.
And that sort of thing can be done well.
But Paul Dano's character was apparently intended to act out the part of a cross-dressing dead fish, which he did admirably. His acting was horribly overblown, but it actually served to make his character a little like a stuck-up version of Michael Sera.
And after two hours of watching this on screen, I was glad to leave the theatre.
Katie Holmes...I don't even know what she was doing up there. She acted a girl who had a relatively normal, caring, but sometimes insensitive boyfriend. And that didn't take much acting. I still don't understand why her presence in the film was even warranted, as her character...was superfluous. Hers amounted to little more than filler time.
I suppose the only way in which this film surpassed my expectations lies in the fact that it surprised me in some way. It wasn't the cheesy 'coming of age'/'student+teacher' movie that I expected. But I'd have been happier if I'd been right, because a simpler plot might have allowed the actors to figure out what the hell they were supposed to be conveying to the audience at any given point in the film.
As it was, Kevin Kline still managed to bring some humor to the table, making what would otherwise have been a dreary piece of work somewhat less so. John C. Reilly did as well, for about five minutes. It's a shame that's all the time he was given.
Granted, it's a better film than most mainstream behemoths. But it wasn't nearly as entertaining as the majority of those, and it ultimately left me asking not, 'Where are we?' as suggested by the film, but rather, "Why am I here?"
Spoilers.
The first problem was that I walked into this film with high expectations. With Kevin Kline, John C. Reilly, and a classically cliché, but always amusing plot line (as per the previews) of an out-dated aristocrat teaching his trade? How could it go wrong?
Well, the plot that I expected was completely lost in the film's actual theme, which was repressed sexual deviations in people who actually desire to live normal, morally upstanding lives. It followed the tune of Russian literature thematically, taking a psychological aspect of a person and exploring it to the point at which the characters become the trait that they are created to express, resulting in the creation of purely ridiculous scenarios.
And that sort of thing can be done well.
But Paul Dano's character was apparently intended to act out the part of a cross-dressing dead fish, which he did admirably. His acting was horribly overblown, but it actually served to make his character a little like a stuck-up version of Michael Sera.
And after two hours of watching this on screen, I was glad to leave the theatre.
Katie Holmes...I don't even know what she was doing up there. She acted a girl who had a relatively normal, caring, but sometimes insensitive boyfriend. And that didn't take much acting. I still don't understand why her presence in the film was even warranted, as her character...was superfluous. Hers amounted to little more than filler time.
I suppose the only way in which this film surpassed my expectations lies in the fact that it surprised me in some way. It wasn't the cheesy 'coming of age'/'student+teacher' movie that I expected. But I'd have been happier if I'd been right, because a simpler plot might have allowed the actors to figure out what the hell they were supposed to be conveying to the audience at any given point in the film.
As it was, Kevin Kline still managed to bring some humor to the table, making what would otherwise have been a dreary piece of work somewhat less so. John C. Reilly did as well, for about five minutes. It's a shame that's all the time he was given.
Granted, it's a better film than most mainstream behemoths. But it wasn't nearly as entertaining as the majority of those, and it ultimately left me asking not, 'Where are we?' as suggested by the film, but rather, "Why am I here?"
Recurring harmless eccentrics - not to everyone's taste
BeneCumb15 July 2013
Movies with Paul Dano and/or Kevin Kline are always pleasant to watch - even if their plot leaves to be desired. They are both non-mainstream actors, and talented and courageous enough to accept weirdos' roles... Plus Katie Holmes and John C. Reilly included - it can't be a flop!
Well, the plot is sometimes hectic and includes "odd" scenes not providing additional value to the whole course of action, but the performances of all the above-mentioned make you turn a blind eye regarding shortcomings. Accompanying and entertaining wealthy older women in their fanciful social lives and cross-dressing are not topics widely known (I can imagine that the majority would have no compassion for Harrison's and Ives' "sufferings"), but those kinds of people exist and sometimes it is worthy to follow different aspirations for love and understanding. Besides, The Extra Man is not over-pretentious, not a movie for art's sake. If you tend to like movies shown at Sundance, you will at least like - if not love - to watch it.
Well, the plot is sometimes hectic and includes "odd" scenes not providing additional value to the whole course of action, but the performances of all the above-mentioned make you turn a blind eye regarding shortcomings. Accompanying and entertaining wealthy older women in their fanciful social lives and cross-dressing are not topics widely known (I can imagine that the majority would have no compassion for Harrison's and Ives' "sufferings"), but those kinds of people exist and sometimes it is worthy to follow different aspirations for love and understanding. Besides, The Extra Man is not over-pretentious, not a movie for art's sake. If you tend to like movies shown at Sundance, you will at least like - if not love - to watch it.
Insipid
k_schember11 November 2010
I sought out this film as John C. Reilly and Kevin Kline were listed.
The opening was fey, but with the star power, I discarded my feelings and waited.
As it continued, I found myself taking breaks- making phone calls, a sandwich, even contemplated taking up smoking, before returning to see how this would end.
Enter John C Reilly, an actor I admire, with falsetto- good grief! "Springtime for Hitler" immediately sprang to mind.
So, in closing, my initial thought of 'insipid' carries my overall view.
The opening was fey, but with the star power, I discarded my feelings and waited.
As it continued, I found myself taking breaks- making phone calls, a sandwich, even contemplated taking up smoking, before returning to see how this would end.
Enter John C Reilly, an actor I admire, with falsetto- good grief! "Springtime for Hitler" immediately sprang to mind.
So, in closing, my initial thought of 'insipid' carries my overall view.
Kevin Kline in a witty role again
mart-burton31 August 2012
Great to see Kevin Kline in a witty role again. Cleverly written lines give some snickers, excellent techniques at times transported me. The physical slapstick was a little off, but the gags made up for it. If you like Kevin Kline, you'll like this movie. Give it a try. It will appeal to the astute mind. The rich old women are entertaining and the glimpses of the other side of life are sensitively done, with tongue in cheek. The metaphor of the pigeons is a clever one observed by Henry (Kevin Kline) himself, in this high-brow yet Oscar Wildeish thrust-and-parry into the world of the Henry and his protégé, the young gentleman. Ending on a feel-good note with the credits rolling to a zany variation of a Marc Bolan written T-Rex number 'Dandy in the Underworld'. 8/10.
HAPPY BISSEXTILE DAY
nogodnomasters12 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Louis Ives (Paul Dano) has a fascination with women's undergarments, and on occasion likes to wear them. This issue causes him to leave his teaching job and go to New York where he gets a job with an environmental magazine where he develops an interest for vegan Katie Holmes. Meanwhile, Louis takes up residence with the extremely quirky Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline) who enlists Louis to be an "extra man" i.e. a non-sexual cultured escort for older women of wealth. The job doesn't pay, but you do get to meet rich people and go to expensive places.
The part of being the escort I found entertaining, more so then the cross dress fetish. I expected Louis to have gotten "introduced" awkwardly to Katie Holmes on one of his assignments, but such was not the case. The writers tried to be too cute and clever by introducing too many different themes...i.e. let's toss it at the wall and see what stick. If you like indie films, worth a view.
No f-bombs, sex, or nudity
The part of being the escort I found entertaining, more so then the cross dress fetish. I expected Louis to have gotten "introduced" awkwardly to Katie Holmes on one of his assignments, but such was not the case. The writers tried to be too cute and clever by introducing too many different themes...i.e. let's toss it at the wall and see what stick. If you like indie films, worth a view.
No f-bombs, sex, or nudity
needs a straight man
SnoopyStyle18 September 2016
Louis Ives (Paul Dano) is caught pawing a bra and leaves the small college for Manhattan. He sublets a room from eccentric Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline). Henry is a failed playwright and an Extra Man. He's an escort for older women simply for the pleasure of the company and the event. It's neither sex nor money. Louis gets a job at an environmental magazine and falls for coworker Mary Powell (Katie Holmes). He starts to test cross-dressing while Henry mentors him on being an Extra Man. There is also Gershon Gruen (John C. Reilly) who may be the strangest one of all.
Alone, each character could work in a quirky indie comedy. Each one is acted great by these excellent actors. It's too odd and not funny enough. This may need a straight man for the comedy to react. It's a bunch of weird people in a not so funny comedy.
Alone, each character could work in a quirky indie comedy. Each one is acted great by these excellent actors. It's too odd and not funny enough. This may need a straight man for the comedy to react. It's a bunch of weird people in a not so funny comedy.
another fun story for dano
ksf-229 October 2022
Paul dano ("sunshine" and "swiss army man") rents a room from a very stubborn, selfish man ( kevin kline). And the very moment louis moves in, we know he's going to break one of henry's many rules, at some point. How could he not?? Henry has lived his private, sheltered life, his own way for so many years, he can't see outside his own small, religious world. Louis wants to experiment with his own sexuality, in manhattan. But of course it has to blow up at some point. Can they remain friends? It's quirky and fun. Interesting to watch louis as he very slooooowly becomes more comfortable trying on his kink. With mixed results. Based on the novel by jonathan ames. Dano seems to choose offbeat, fun films, with a different outlook on things.
Ultimately Wins You Over
samkan26 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
THE EXTRA MAN may be one of the slowest starting movies that you have ever watched. For at least a half-hour its two lead characters are somewhat annoying and/or obnoxious. But then something unexpected happens: The setting rises up to match the characters. The viewer begins to see the two "weirdos" in a different light. Where once you had odd-balls you now have a threesome (a late addition) who serve a purpose and draw strength from one another.
Natalie Portman's character, upon introduction, is guessed to be a love interest that will transform, correct our young protagonist. But that is too easy and not what THE EXTRA MAN is about. Rather, NP's presence shows contrast yet connection to a stranger, alternate world.
A comparison can be made to John Irvings books and characters, though therein the characters seem out-of-place in their setting and almost apologetic for their bizarreness. Here, the movie ends with absolutely no apologies and in the only place it could end, the milieu of NYC.
The major fault of the film is that it may appear to be offered as a comedy. There are chuckles but THE EXTRA MAN is not particularly funny. The film would have been better presented as a drama. THE EXTRA MAN is most surely not mainstream material and one of those projects that is lucky to have been made.
I'm still on the fence with Paul Dano. I wouldn't flunk his performance but some one more earnest; e.g., a young Andrew McCarthy, would have been a better fit.
Natalie Portman's character, upon introduction, is guessed to be a love interest that will transform, correct our young protagonist. But that is too easy and not what THE EXTRA MAN is about. Rather, NP's presence shows contrast yet connection to a stranger, alternate world.
A comparison can be made to John Irvings books and characters, though therein the characters seem out-of-place in their setting and almost apologetic for their bizarreness. Here, the movie ends with absolutely no apologies and in the only place it could end, the milieu of NYC.
The major fault of the film is that it may appear to be offered as a comedy. There are chuckles but THE EXTRA MAN is not particularly funny. The film would have been better presented as a drama. THE EXTRA MAN is most surely not mainstream material and one of those projects that is lucky to have been made.
I'm still on the fence with Paul Dano. I wouldn't flunk his performance but some one more earnest; e.g., a young Andrew McCarthy, would have been a better fit.
Uneasy Comedy Never Really Works
evanston_dad23 December 2010
An ultimately fairly lame movie about a young man (Paul Dano) who rents a room from an older eccentric (Kevin Kline) and learns from him how to be a dandy.
The biggest problem with "The Extra Man" is that the entire film hinges on what Dano's character learns from his experiences living with Kline, but what it is he learns is never made explicit to us. He seems to be confused about whether or not he wants the experience of being with women or BEING a woman (his hidden fetish is cross dressing), and there are several ambiguous questions about both his and Kline's sexuality that are never fully resolved. It would appear that at the film's end he's achieved some enlightenment about himself, but what that enlightenment is I certainly couldn't tell you.
Dano is pretty good despite limitations in the material; Kline is merely serviceable. The film also stars John C. Reilly and Katie Holmes, who shows some spunk as a co-worker of Dano but whose role feels oddly truncated.
Grade: C
The biggest problem with "The Extra Man" is that the entire film hinges on what Dano's character learns from his experiences living with Kline, but what it is he learns is never made explicit to us. He seems to be confused about whether or not he wants the experience of being with women or BEING a woman (his hidden fetish is cross dressing), and there are several ambiguous questions about both his and Kline's sexuality that are never fully resolved. It would appear that at the film's end he's achieved some enlightenment about himself, but what that enlightenment is I certainly couldn't tell you.
Dano is pretty good despite limitations in the material; Kline is merely serviceable. The film also stars John C. Reilly and Katie Holmes, who shows some spunk as a co-worker of Dano but whose role feels oddly truncated.
Grade: C
Not as good as I had expected, even with Kevin Kline.
TxMike30 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Set in New York, Kevin Kline is Henry Harrison, playwright, but seemingly not very well off. He has the most success escorting older, rich women, who pay the way in fine restaurants. He usually spends part of the winter in warm Florida, if the wealthy woman will invite him to stay in her guest house.
Henry encounters Paul Dano as Louis Ives, homeless, aspiring author living on the streets, and often eating cat food to survive. Henry decides to take Louis in, to mentor him in his writing, and also to use him as "an extra man" for the outings with the ladies.
The movie is very quirky, almost as if it is that way just for its own purposes. As an example, John C. Reilly is strange looking Gershon Gruen who occasionally has to fix up Henry's old car, but Gershon speaks in a high (falsetta) voice. But on the one occasion where he decides to sing, it is a rich baritone voice that comes out.
Henry is a user of people, Louis is a simple man, together they make a very odd couple, and overall the movie is less than satisfying.
Henry encounters Paul Dano as Louis Ives, homeless, aspiring author living on the streets, and often eating cat food to survive. Henry decides to take Louis in, to mentor him in his writing, and also to use him as "an extra man" for the outings with the ladies.
The movie is very quirky, almost as if it is that way just for its own purposes. As an example, John C. Reilly is strange looking Gershon Gruen who occasionally has to fix up Henry's old car, but Gershon speaks in a high (falsetta) voice. But on the one occasion where he decides to sing, it is a rich baritone voice that comes out.
Henry is a user of people, Louis is a simple man, together they make a very odd couple, and overall the movie is less than satisfying.
He's not just a gigalo whereever he may go!
NestorTheGreat24 June 2022
Cross-dressing, hoity poity uppity yuppy wannabe con artists, writers and high-pitched closet singers- it's all there in New York, New York...unfortunately! A Woody-Allenesque film without the stuttering.
You gotta hand it to Kevin Kline! He is the consummate chameleon, portraying roles you'd think other actors better suited, but imbuing them with his own dash of madness that other actors wouldn't have dared. Accompanied by Dano and Reilly doing their best to keep up, in roles that also seem above their capacity, and yet weirdly snugly fit.
Big cities in any nation have their fair share of bizarro folks, but none so aplenty as NY, as many films attest. In this one birds of a feather seem to attract each other and cause all manner of confusion. Self-love is the theme running through it, and its' extremes in the main three characters: the egotistical, rude one; the self-loathing confused trans; and the emotionless drone that lives downstairs. Through their irregular vision we see the pompous, the insecure, and the motherly in a variety of female characters. Warped and beautiful, just like the city they inhabit! "So there we are. Where are we?" as H. Harrison says!
You gotta hand it to Kevin Kline! He is the consummate chameleon, portraying roles you'd think other actors better suited, but imbuing them with his own dash of madness that other actors wouldn't have dared. Accompanied by Dano and Reilly doing their best to keep up, in roles that also seem above their capacity, and yet weirdly snugly fit.
Big cities in any nation have their fair share of bizarro folks, but none so aplenty as NY, as many films attest. In this one birds of a feather seem to attract each other and cause all manner of confusion. Self-love is the theme running through it, and its' extremes in the main three characters: the egotistical, rude one; the self-loathing confused trans; and the emotionless drone that lives downstairs. Through their irregular vision we see the pompous, the insecure, and the motherly in a variety of female characters. Warped and beautiful, just like the city they inhabit! "So there we are. Where are we?" as H. Harrison says!
The Extra Man is extra extra lame!
drawsroundankles30 November 2010
I feel it to be my civic duty to express my opinion to spare the innocent people the agony of enduring this very forgettable train-wreck. The fact that this film was ever classified as a comedy, I will never understand, I didn't see so much as even a chuckle. It took a while , but finally Paul Glaser, Christian Ford, and Roger Soffer can pick their heads back up. This box office flop makes Kazaam look like CaddyShack. What were Sheri Springer Bernan and Robert Pulcini thinking? The entire plot of the Jonathan Ames novel is absent of any true substance. How they thought that it would ever transfer to big screen well is beyond my comprehension. The only good that may ever come from this film would be if president Obama implemented it as a prescription for insomnia sufferers, that would cut the national deficit for sure. Anyone who voluntarily associated themselves with the production of this garbage owes a sincere public apology. Redbox owes me a dollar for stocking the flop! You owe it to yourself to skip this extreme waste of time!
Horrible, truly awful movie
festersam-896-5095332 March 2011
I've wasted time watching this and continue to waste time by posting about it, but I'm hoping to steer other normal people from this badly acted, piece of crap. If you're looking for a meandering tale of cross dressers and wanna be man whores then this is it. Kevin kiline trying to be over the top doesn't cut it and Paul Dano is flat as his chest is while in drag. John C Reilly is a fake voice is laughable. The story just doesn't pull you in, the characters aren't likable in the least and you leave not really caring about what you saw. Please don't waste your time. If you want good Kevin Kline go watch Dave or the January Man, find decent Paul Dano in The Girl Next Door and Reilly in Boogie Nights, but do yourself a favor, stay away from this one!!!
refreshing laugh
imastringbean26 November 2010
i saw this movie because I am a John C Reilly fan, however, much to my chagrin, even with his minor role, this gave me many genuine deep "what the f%$#" laughs. I also like Paul Dano and think he really played this character well. His look of horror at his woman self was priceless, especially when he had to dodge flying Christmas ornaments from harry.
it was quirky yet boldly in-touch and the humor spoke to me. It was a movie that I watched by myself on a lonely night and it certainly took me out of my head.
this is the only movie I have ever watched that I was motivated to write the review for.
it was quirky yet boldly in-touch and the humor spoke to me. It was a movie that I watched by myself on a lonely night and it certainly took me out of my head.
this is the only movie I have ever watched that I was motivated to write the review for.
Abysmal
sprimeau5 December 2010
I have never written a review because there are usually enough to give a somewhat fair representation of what a film is like. But today, I am making an exception because after viewing 20 minutes of this God awful trash, I took a peek at the reviews here and I am convinced they were written by shills. There is absolutely no way, NO WAY, a sane human being can give this more than 4 stars. I say 4 even though I gave it 1 because I am allowing for individual preferences.
This is seriously the worst trash I have seen in a long time. The reviews here, the 8s and 9s and 10s... Are you kidding me? Watch this movie at your own risk. Do your self a favor before you do and make sure that there are no sharp objects around, no rope and absolutely no gun. Oh, and be sure to watch it from a 1-storey bungalow... in a house that has an electric oven, not gas. The temptation to off yourself will be much too great.
This is seriously the worst trash I have seen in a long time. The reviews here, the 8s and 9s and 10s... Are you kidding me? Watch this movie at your own risk. Do your self a favor before you do and make sure that there are no sharp objects around, no rope and absolutely no gun. Oh, and be sure to watch it from a 1-storey bungalow... in a house that has an electric oven, not gas. The temptation to off yourself will be much too great.
A Scatterbrained Review for An Odd Film
GWilliamLocke6 December 2010
I like the book. I like the directors. I like the actors. I like the location. And, I suppose, I generally like the visual style of the film. Seeing as how there are four legit movie star-level actors in the film (not to mention the expensive shooting locations), I suppose I understand why the film had a $7 million budget ... but, really, you don't see that budget on the screen. In fact, aside from having mostly solid cinematography, this is a very simple movie that could've been made for far less.
But, like I was saying, I like the book enough that I can't call this a bad movie - even if I do understand why others might. Kevin Kline is great in what is more or less a comedy of manners, his approach reminding me more so of, say, Withnail & I than American Splendor. Paul Dano, who seems to be becoming something of a one-note actor, does his best with the flimsy adaptation, obviously doing all he can to believe in the vision of the filmmakers (a vision I suspect EVERYONE on the set secretly felt strange about at some point during the shoot).
Between this film and HBO's "Bored to Death," I'm convinced that writer Jonathan Ames has no business writing for the screen. Had someone like, I don't know, Woody Allen or Whit Stillman adapted Ames' book, I think this movie would've stood a chance. But, to me, the only thing useful about the movie is Kline's often hilarious performance. And when I say hilarious, I mean hilarious to a very small segment of viewers ... fans of Allen, Stillman, Noah Baumbach and maybe Stephen Frears.
But, like I was saying, I like the book enough that I can't call this a bad movie - even if I do understand why others might. Kevin Kline is great in what is more or less a comedy of manners, his approach reminding me more so of, say, Withnail & I than American Splendor. Paul Dano, who seems to be becoming something of a one-note actor, does his best with the flimsy adaptation, obviously doing all he can to believe in the vision of the filmmakers (a vision I suspect EVERYONE on the set secretly felt strange about at some point during the shoot).
Between this film and HBO's "Bored to Death," I'm convinced that writer Jonathan Ames has no business writing for the screen. Had someone like, I don't know, Woody Allen or Whit Stillman adapted Ames' book, I think this movie would've stood a chance. But, to me, the only thing useful about the movie is Kline's often hilarious performance. And when I say hilarious, I mean hilarious to a very small segment of viewers ... fans of Allen, Stillman, Noah Baumbach and maybe Stephen Frears.
Rambling
belmusica15 February 2011
I was interested in this film after I heard an interview with Kevin Kline from Sundance. It sounded like an interesting character study. Kevin Kline always gives his parts a lot of personality. I also wanted to see John C. Reilly, I search out his films and enjoy the creative things that he does with his parts. Unfortunately,the script was not quite up to snuff. I found the characters unlikeable. Poor J.C.R. had to resort to a silly gimmick to make his character even interesting. Mr. Kline did the best he could with a very weak script. It was obvious that he was improvising quite a lot. The younger character had a few interesting parts but overall it was very unorganized. Oh well, I watched until the end and forgot about it.
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