Before you see this, clear your mind of the negative hype. I went in to the film wanting to judge it for myself, and I have to say I had an enjoyable enough time. Its length is perfect, and I like how it tells the story. Just don't expect a realistic tale and you should have a good time. I liked how they didn't sugarcoat the actions of a character. I found Aaron Paul's character, J.J, to be very easy to relate to. In my opinion, they got a lot of things right with the topic of depression, and the comedy wasn't done offensively. It's not a light topic, but A Long Way Down shows just how many different reasons people have to be suicidal, some with no real reason at all.
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jamesissuperawesome22 March 2014
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blanche-218 September 2015Pierce Brosnan stars with Toni Collette, Imogen Poots, and Aaron Paul in "A Long Way Down" from 2014.
Brosnan plays a television celebrity, Martin, who was in prison for taking up with a woman who turned out to be a girl and not 25 as he thought. He was left with nothing, no career and no family.
On New Year's Eve, he goes to a tall building, a well-known suicide place, to jump. While he's struggling with his decision to make the leap, he realizes he's not alone. Maureen (Collette) is waiting for him to finish so she can take her turn. Two other people, Jess (Poots) and JJ (Paul) show up. Popular place, popular time of year to kill oneself.
Rather than do that, the four of them decide to support one another in what they're going through. When discussing when the next big suicide day is, they decide it's probably Valentine's Day.
Martin wants to kill himself for obvious reasons, Maureen has a physically challenged son and she thinks if she kills herself, he will get better care. JJ says he has cancer. Jess has been rejected by her boyfriend.
This is a funny, warm, uplifting comedy/drama. The acting is wonderful. It was so great to see Aaron Paul again after "Breaking Bad." Imogen Poots, the fragile Jess, is gorgeous and gives a poignant performance. As an added treat, her father is played by Sam Neill. Toni Collette is always good, and her scenes with her son were especially sweet. The scene at the hospital was very touching.
You care about the characters finding their way. Highly recommended. The power of love - hard to beat it as a theme. -
yris200213 April 2014If you have read the novel by Nick Hornby, you will recognize the same ironic mood in the picture, where making fool of ourselves and of our small/big tragedies seems to be the only way to go on and not down. The comic hilarious side and the more dramatic one blend together without ever clashing and it is impossible not to identify oneself with the contrasting and sometimes simultaneous tendency of the characters to get depressed and to smile at life at the same time. I enjoyed the performance of all the group, especially Toni Colette who is always able to interpret her characters with such authenticity. And if you have not read the book, the movie may offer an occasion also to you to spend some enjoyable time.
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redflax22 May 2015This film brought, once again, into relief the differences between American and British ways of telling stories on screen. I put my hand up to the generalisation and my bias.
Spoiler In this film the characters have a scene in front of a TV day show. The event doesn't become pivotal which it often does in American movies which seem to make sacred anything with a big audience.
I thought the acting was great. Toni Collette does an excellent job portraying a dowdy frightened mother. Sam Neil is also called on to underplay his poor parenting and does that well.
Pierce Bronson presents a relatable, once again underplayed, humiliated celebrity, and doesn't hog the screen.
Another movie cultural difference is that during the fight scene there doesn't need to be a speech or some sort of reconciliation, there's just mess.
There was not a big deal made of 'why' the characters were seriously contemplating suicide. There were not problems to solve, which to me is another difference between American and British story telling. The characters unfolded themselves, flowering in subtle complexities. I loved that. -
cinematic_aficionado22 April 2014A comedy about 4 people who are suicidal, sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? Well, this is the issue dealt in this light hearted comedy & drama.
It was a New Year's Eve at the top of a building, the ideal suicide spot that these four individuals encountered one another. Somehow their presence provided a barrier to their urge and since they survived that night, they kept in touch and tried to encourage one another...in life.
The makers of this film must have faced a challenge in how to deal with a dramatic issue (suicide) but convey it in a semi comical tone without appearing to ridicule such a serious issue.
Thus, through the chance encounter our characters realised slowly that they have something to live for and that beauty can be found in purpose and togetherness and in that problems can be faced rather than avoided taking the easy way out.
Whilst I stand by my 'light-hearted' remark earlier, this is not to say that it is shallow. It deals with a very sombre matter but even such matters can be approached from a humorous angle. -
MadamWarden17 December 2019Actually quite a sweet little movie. Don't kill yourself, somewhere someone cares.
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Figgy66-915-59847022 March 201422 March 2014 Film of Choice at The Plaza Tonight - A Long Way Down. From the best selling book by Nick Hornby (as usual unread by me), this film charts the lives for four would be suicide victims one New Year's Eve. Meeting on the roof of a building they rescue each other and form a pact to stay alive until Valentine's Day! This looked good from the trailer. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette, Imogen Poots and Aaron Paul it promised to be an amusing yet touching story of how these four completely different lives came together and although I didn't find it terribly amusing, I didn't feel I'd wasted an evening. I rather felt that I'd been reading a book that although wasn't the most gripping, was however a book I was unable to put down. It's the sort of film you would probably watch on a rainy day with a nice hot cup of cocoa. Always nice to see Pierce Brosnan on the big screen!
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I went to the movie with no idea what I was about to see. Genuinely had no idea about the plot and had no expectations at all.
Given the above I loved it. While it was entertaining and had that specific British humor which I find nice, it also had some powerful moments.
At the end it made me think about the kind of problems people face in their lives without making me sad like most of the movies that cover similar topics. I'm glad I went to it. Well spent money.
I would advice the audience to just see it like I did - without even checking the plot and the actors. Not knowing what it's all about made the experience a bit better in my opinion. -
guchrisc24 March 2014The trailer suggested this film was a light, but moving film, about suicidal people who help each other to find a future worth living for. And so it turned out too.
Film opens with Pierce Brosnan playing TV celebrity Martin Sharp, who has decided to kill himself. This is explained by Mr Brosnan in his narration accompanying the opening action scenes. A tacky and tasteless sex-scandal, has destroyed his life and so he decides to end it. Well prepared for this, he is interrupted by Maureen, played by Toni Collette, who is on the same mission. Jess, played by Imogen Poots, is a third would-be suicide who joins them. Finally a fourth, JJ, played by Aaron Paul joins too. Their suicides being interrupted, they decide not to kill themselves, and thus our story unfolds.
The story was written by Nick Hornby, who has previously written 'Fever Pitch' and 'About a Boy', both of which have been made into films. Thus Nick Hornby, in his books, delivers a believable true-life London, as does Richard Curtis in his films like 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' (1994), 'Notting Hill' (1999), and 'About Time' from last year. The people are believable, despite the narrow social-set (excepting the obligatory, and token, American).
The attempted suicides story becomes public, a media storm ensues, made even more interesting by a connection to Chris Crichton MP. Our would-be suicides, now in a no-suicide pact, resolve to control the story, thus Martin Sharp returns to his TV sofa, along with the three others. After the interview they plan to escape the media by going on holiday.
Some critics have decided that Pierce Brosnan has become a good actor. However this reviewer has been impressed with Mr Brosnan ever since his silent, smiling, semi-naked, swimming-trunk wearing, appearance out of the swimming-pool, in 'The Long Good Friday' (1980). In this film, 'ALWD', he impresses with his early narration, and accent, throughout the film. It is not Bob Hoskins, but it is an authentic London accent. His acting too is convincing.
The other three would-be suicides also give believable performances. Young Mr Paul plays an extremely irritating character. So too does young Miss Poots. However her character also has an equal amount of sweetness too. She exudes fragility and vulnerability, thus love for her, and her love for others, is what moves along the plot. She rightly deserves her top billing. Both these young leads have a decent back-catalogue of work. So too does Miss Collette, who incidentally also appeared in the film 'About a Boy'. All three of their characters are given some back-story in this film, and these are some of the more poignant moments in the film.
Experienced Sam Neill has a small, but tasty, role. So too does Rosamund Pike, who is going to be the voice of Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward in the 'Thunderbirds Are Go! forthcoming 2015 TV series. New girl Tuppence Middleton also delivered in her small role. A good performance by her here, is surely just the first of many in the future.
Director Pascal Chaumeil delivers a good film to us. The shot of a blurry figure in a corridor, reminds of similar iconic shots; Nick Nolte, in the steam, in Chinatown, in '48HRS' (1982), or Clint Eastwood's nameless stranger, riding through the heat-haze in 'High Plains Drifter' (1973). However our blurry figure in 'ALWD' is reassuring, without being sinister too. A good shot, but merely one of many; on holiday, in the hospital, caring, or just walking with head down; all filmed and captured perfectly.
If you have seen the trailer, then you will know what to expect. This is a nice light film about a heavy subject. As such it is in fact life enhancing. Rather like last year's 'We're the Millers', this is a film about a bunch of strangers coming together, and in doing so helping each other to have better future lives. Family drama 'Papadopoulos & Sons' (2012), also showed, despite adversity, a family developing stronger bonds. 'ALWD' has a similar theme.
A feel-good movie. Enjoy the film. Enjoy life! 9/10. -
deepfrieddodo17 September 2021Perhaps berated for not holding the power of the book it was adapted from, A Long Way Down is still a very solid film with a strong cast. Not a comedy of the funny sort, but a black comedy addressing a serious topic, possibly trivialised a touch, but justifiable given the approach to the topic.
Characters are faulted allowing a connection, the links between them flimsy in-keeping with the story. A little predictable at times, but as a whole fairly enjoyable and just about emotional enough. -
robinski3421 June 2014Enjoyable enough if slightly loopy comedy directed by Pascal Chaumeil, who was 1st AD on Leon and 2nd Unit on The Fifth Element, A Long Way Down is his third big screen directorial outing. The promise of another adaptation of a Nick Hornby novel is to be welcomed, however this is no High Fidelity. The cast is highly watchable and there are nice dynamics between Brosnan, Collette, Poots and Paul - but somehow the script never ignites and the laughs often feel forced. It's not entirely obvious where to point the finger. There are effective dramatic moments, but the lows don't seem quite low enough, whereas the highs feel a bit too easy to come by. In the end the film is perhaps not sure which tone to take, rendering certain character motivations unconvincing. This said, there are still many moments to enjoy, including good turns in support from Rosamund Pike and Sam Neil, but there's a good chance you would be just as happy watching High Fidelity again, seeking out Fever Pitch (not the US version) or, better yet, An Education.
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Matt_Layden11 December 2014Had no idea what this film was when I decided to watch it on Netflix and was pleasantly surprised by how attached I became to the subject matter, the characters and the story.
Brosnan is a disgraced TV personalty and decides to commit suicide by jumping off the top of a building on New Year's Eve. While up there, he meets 3 other people, played by Toni Collette, Aaron Paul and Imogen Poots, all there to do the same thing. None of them commit the act and instead form a weird bond between each other. A pact is made not to commit suicide until the next "popular" suicide date, which is Valentine's Day. Dark subject matter, I know.
Despite the content of the film involving topics such as cancer, suicide, underage sex and other questionable character choices, the film balances this topics interestingly enough to keep it rather light. It never became too dark, nor too comedic. It walked a fine line of genuine trust in the characters. I found myself attached to each one, their faults, their quirks and liked them all. Imogen Poots has the hardest task of playing the "wild card" character. This character can sometimes become irritatingly annoying and I can see some people thinking her performance here is just that, but I found it oddly charming and real. She's a young girl who yearns to be loved and can't find it. She's lost, she feels alone and she turns to uncomfortable humour as a shield to hide her true feelings. I felt that her character had the most demons and she came off as the most interesting.
The film is broken up into four segments and each segment is from one of the characters POV. At first I was afraid that it was going to be one of those films that played the same event multiple times from different character perspectives, but was relieved when that was not the case.
The film fails to use the supporting cast effectively. Sam Neil is only in a few select scenes and Rosamund Pike is in one very uncomfortable one. Couldn't help but feel that their talents were slightly wasted here. I had no idea this film was based on a book, thus had nothing to hold it against. There seems to be a lot of hate towards it, but I was genuinely interested from start to finish. -
Sahl_9522 March 2014While a story about 4 suicidal strangers meeting on a rooftop about to jump sounds interesting, this movie was not all that interesting.
There were times when scenes felt too long and equally many scenes that could and perhaps should have been longer. Some potentially interesting plot threads were brought up in a scene and hardly mentioned again (same with some characters). The emotional scenes weren't that effective either and I didn't laugh much during the movie either. The characters aren't that great either. None of them felt believable for me.
In the end, felt that the movie was predictable, cheesy and not that entertaining. The ending of the movie didn't do much to change that either. Not the best movie this year. -
rprince-832-629417 October 2014-A Long Way Down is a 2014 film that you probably haven't heard of. It's about four people who hate their lives, accidentally run into each other on the same rooftop on New Year's during their suicide attempts, and end up becoming good friends who make a pact not to kill themselves until Valentine's Day.
-As relatively unknown films go, this was one of my favorite! -I love the story and thing the themes of friendship and life vs death are outstanding. The tone is uplifting and the film is well paces, telling each of the 4 characters' stories while keeping the story in order.
-The acting is really good. Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collesse, and Imogen Poots all do a great job, but Aaron Paul steals the show! -The music is good. Not great. Also editing and stuff don't really matter in this type of film, because it's about character and hope! -So I won't spoil anything, but it's a very positive film with some great themes about redemption. It does have a focus on suicide, but also the importance of having friends and overcoming giants in your life.
-Content was not too bad. It is rated-R. It has some language, but it's not too bad. Also a butt.
-So A Long Way Down is a fun film with an uplifting theme, and good characters. I would say if you have the chance to see it, it is worth it! Easily an 8/10! -
Review: I quite enjoyed this witty drama which has something for everyone. On one side it's a deep drama because the 4 characters all have there own reasons to commit suicide but on the other side it's a enjoyable comedy because they all end up coming together and help each other through there individual problems. The fact they the 4 different characters end up on the roof on New Years Eve at exactly the same time was a bit weird, but each actor was very realistic and they really showed emotion. The chemistry between the characters was great and the director put the storyline together well but I do think that the movie could have been a bit better if there was a bit more depth to Pierce Brosnan's character. Enjoyable!
Round-Up: Since Pierce Brosnan has hanged up his Bond suit, he has starred in a wide range of movies which. From singing in Mamma Mia, which was a total shock, to The Matador and Seraphim Falls, he has proved that he hasn't become type casted like many other actors in Hollywood. Aaron Paul comes fresh from Breaking Bad and has starred in Need For Speed which also stars Imogen Poots as his love interest. His acting style is very limited but it works in the roles that he has picked since Breaking Bad. Hopefully he will flourish in his next roles. Toni Collette is one of those actors that can take on any role that gets put in front of her. After her famous role in Muriel's Wedding, she has gone from strength to strength and I can't see this role damaging her career because she had the most emotional storyline to deal with. Basically, all of the actors put in a great performance and it was great to see Sam Neill back on the big screen.
Budget: N/A Worldwide Gross: $7million
I recommend this movie to people who are into there emotional comedic dramas about 4 individuals who have there own reason to commit suicide. 6/10 -
secondtake4 November 2014A Long Way Down (2014)
There are a lot of films these days that set up this kind of comedy formula: an unlikely crisis forces strangers together, and they don't get along (at first). So you are dazzled by the odd circumstances, and by the funny ways people adjust. The plot then zigs and zags and eventually (of course) some or all of the main characters find their happiness. It's a good approach with the script sparkles and the acting is fun. "Chef" is a recent case, and even better is "We're the Millers."
"A Long Way Down" can't match up to those in terms of wit and sheer fun. But it has moments that click, and it has a knock out performance by one of the four leads, Imogen Poots. See it for her alone. Of course the biggest name is the former James Bond player (often voted one of the worst to take on that role), Pierce Brosnan, and he's meant to be a dull, superficial type here, so he comes through naturally. Throw in the ever talented Toni Collette and you have a good cast. (The fourth is Aaron Paul.)
The premise starts very fast, and is quite funny. In fact, I got my hopes ups that this was going to be a sizzling, truly great offbeat comedy just by the first ten minutes where it complicates quickly. You see, it's New Year's Eve and one of the four has gotten to the top of a tall London building and plans to jump. Then a second shows up and spoils his plans, and he decides to wait and let her jump so he can have the roof to himself. Then a third. And you see what is beginning to unfold.
You get some backstory details that are just enough to make you see their problems— and also see that these are all really sympathetic characters. And of course they shouldn't be suicidal, not for real. There are further ups and downs as they help and then harm each other's emotional progress. And so on.
I liked it. And I loved the performance by Poots, who just slashes through the crap and lights up the screen. Is this a brilliant movie—no. It's too much caught in the formula, so even the twists are expected. But I thought it was better than the reviews overall let on you might give it a go. Expect some light entertainment and you might be quite happy watching. -
jj-77-48501724 May 2021I tried to end my life several times so understand this subject.
In truth the road from that low point isn't always happy for many people the pain goes on So whilst I commend the idea of hope. It comes with a caveat that hope can be difficult to hold onto and sometimes happy endings don't happen
All we can do keep walking forwards and hope it doesn't lead us to the edge again. -
r_smith-4677327 October 2015Watched this tonight - on demand in the UAE. Was such a pleasant surprise - OK not an Oscar winner but a sensitive subject - pursued well. Well constructed, edited and quite polished. Not art-house, not mainstream, but polished performances from all. A really good "fall back movie" when garbage is on the telly. Well done - perfectly executed - with characters that in real life you would not understand, or at least maybe even dismiss. Movies like this are a real "gem" (maybe I am a bit weird but I loved the Station Agent, Leibstrum and Run Lola Run) as I like the different perspective in movies. This was just a good piece of film-making!! A good night in!
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NickSkouras28 October 2014great film!
so good to see pierce brosnan doing this kind of work
along w other films he's recently done. well done.
wow. human beings huh? life. etc. love. the lives of strangers in our own towns. apartment buildings. humanity.
if we'd only have a bit more compassion each week. a small thing here or there for another.
turn off the spirit crushing TV programming and watch some good films like this one. might do the trick. if only for a moment.
better than nothing. -
thekarmicnomad13 February 2015This was a compromise choice between me and my girlfriend after we had spend about an hour trawling through the rubbish on Netflix.
It was an acceptable choice. This is a film with a simple yet deliciously absurd premise; Peirce goes to top himself but finds he isn't the only one contemplating suicide at that moment. Predictably he becomes entwined with these distractors and so the story unfolds.
This film sets its sites fairly low. It isn't hilarious or gut wrenchingly tragic or even makes much of a point about mental health and suicide (phew!)
It is a well crafted, light hearted character study. It is guilty of being twee, predictable and a bit cheesy but that didn't bother me in the slightest.
Brosnan has a bit too much luggage to pull off a cockney accent but all the cast give a great performance and the Poots's character is quite infectious. -
gabrielegreco24 March 2014It's boring as comedy and unbelievable as drama.
I gave this movie a chance cause it was based on a Nick Hornby novel and stars Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul, hoping something different that the usual USA blockbuster comedy with good feelings and unbelievable happy endings....
Well, the usual blockbuster comedy at least has a few funny jokes here and there, this movie is boring, from the start to the end. The plot is uninteresting, the scenes are too long, the photography is mediocre, the acting is just decent.
But the worst part of the movie is the ending that is so "happy" that, given the starting point of the movie, redefine the concept of "unbelievable happy ending"! -
larajayoxbo27 October 2014This film was the most touching one I have seen in a very long time. The ratings just don't do it justice, the story line is amazing and the actors are even better, all the characters were brought to life. Everything that happened made you feel connected to the characters and they won't leave your hearts any time soon. It highlights some of the struggles that many people have to go through in society now and shows what happens when people are thrown into the spotlight. You feel a range of emotions, from being sad to happy, scared to joyous. I really enjoyed this and will be watching it many more times in the future. I would definitely recommend watching this, you'll love it.
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MichaelMRamey23 April 2018You'd think and film that is heavily wouldn't be as inspiring or funny, but this film managed to walk the line nicely. The cast is great first of all and the way these characters feel connected right away is really an accomplishment for the writer and director. I came out of this film feeling good and glad that I stumbled upon it.
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Nick Hornby's 2005 book is one of his best, but 2014's 'A Long Way Down' manages to be a contender for the weakest (or one of them) adaptation of his work.
As an adaptation, 'A Long Way Down really does disappoint, lacking the biting humour, wryness, depth, intelligence and pathos of the book. Hornby is not easy to adapt, but this felt very watered down and bland adaptation-wise, with the spirit not being there and the details present but not used to their full potential. As a standalone, 'A Long Way Down' is not an abomination because it does have some things working in its favour but at the same time it has too many flaws to be an underrated gem.
Starting with what was good about 'A Long Way Down', the locations and costumes are very well done and the film is beautifully shot. The soundtrack fits very well and is memorable, being careful not to intrude. Of the four stories that the film bases itself around, Maureen's comes off the strongest, it has real poignancy and emotional resonance and the only one to feel believable or genuine. The scenes between her and son are incredibly sweet and moving without being mawkishly over-sentimental. The film gets off to a good start as well, having some degree of tension and didn't feel contrived or manipulative in any way.
The cast is a decent one to begin with, and while there are some definite standouts not everybody fares well. The most consistent is Toni Collette, an actress who can elevate any material regardless of its quality. She is helped by the fact that she has the most relatable character and the most genuine of the four stories, but Collette really is affecting here and also quite charming. Martin is a rather erratic character, but Pierce Brosnan's presence still feels very natural. And Sam Neill, while with a small role (too small considering his considerable talent), acts with understated dignity. Not everybody works here. Aaron Paul is certainly not bad at all and displays charm and charisma, however the character is underwritten and is not interesting or well-developed, sometimes almost thankless until the climactic speech. Wasn't sure entirely about Imogen Poots, whose performance like the film will divide audiences. Sometimes she is funny and poignant but at other points she overacts and it grates and makes the character annoying. Lovely Rosamund Pike is sadly completely wasted, with virtually nothing to do in one of 'A Long Way Down's' most forced scenes.
Chaumeil's direction really works against them, it's flat as a pancake and at its worst listless as well as never seeming to find the right tone. While there are moments, 'A Long Way Down' never completely works as a comedy or drama. It does feel like it tries too hard to be funny and also too hard to be moving. The funny scenes are very few (there was not enough humour also in the first place), while those few scenes are amusing most are awkward, very forced and even out of place. In terms of the moving scenes, only Maureen's back story evokes emotion, the rest are not fully explored or even neglected (Aaron Paul is especially wronged here) and the characters are not written with enough depth or believability to make me empathise with them, Jess sometimes annoyed me in fact.
In terms of the story, there is so much going on and so many shifts in tone that it feels very rushed and jumpy (making the chemistry between the cast suffer as a result), and the tonal shifts really do jar to the point it does confuse in places and the film just feels unfocused and unbalanced. Suicide is a very heavy subject to explore but is almost completely trivialised here, the opening explores it well but the rest of the film feels like a different film and like the opening didn't happen. That said, because not enough is done to make the back-stories and characters interesting the film feels dull too.
Overall, didn't hate it, didn't love it. Somewhere in between, but with a strong air of disappointment considering its potential with the source material and cast. 5/10 Bethany Cox -
planktonrules10 September 2014By the first few minutes of "A Long Way Down", you'd think this film was a dark comedy. However, while it has a few of these elements, it's actually much more of a drama...and a pretty good one at that. Now I am not saying it's a great film, as it has a few minor problems here and there, but overall it features some very nice acting and the story is very original-- something you can't say about most films.
When the story begins, Martin (Pierce Brosnan) has climbed to the top of a skyscraper in order to kill himself. After all, although he'd been a famous TV personality, his life has recently become infamous after he was caught sleeping with an underage girl. Now, jobless and fresh out of prison, he feels he's got no other choice but commit suicide. Oddly, however, his task is disrupted when he discovers three others up on the roof--also to kill themselves on New Year's Eve. Now, with his mood and resolve disrupted, Martin, as well as the others, decide not to die...at least for now. Soon, the four begin talking and they come up with a pact--they agree not to kill themselves...at least until Valentine's Day.
As the picture progresses, each of the other three reveal their stories about what's brought them to this point. Jess (Imogen Poots) appears to be a happy and wild spirit. However, she's hiding her sadness about the disappearance of her sister and she's deeply depressed. When asked, J.J. (Aarron Paul) tells the new 'friends' that he's dying of brain cancer--but he holds a secret he keeps from them for much of the movie. And, Maureen (Toni Collette), she's very pitiful. She is sad and lonely---spending all her time caring for her severely physically and mentally disabled son and having little left for herself. Her story is the most touching. As to what happens next, you'll just have to see this one for yourself.
The beginning and ending of this film are its strengths. Both are well written and well acted and really satisfy. As for the middle, the movie seems to sometimes lose its way. Too often, the story seems to move too quickly--as if you're only seeing part of the film and other parts were left out somehow. Additionally, a few of the things that occur during this period seem awfully random and out of place. But, and this is important, the good stuff in the film really makes you overlook the bad. With such an odd and compelling story and some fine acting, I found I was able to overlook some of the film's lulls. Worth seeing--particularly if you are looking for something different--and this is very different.
If you are interested, the film is new to DVD and out on Netflix this week.