Half Nelson (C- or 2/4 stars)
'Half Nelson' is a drama written by Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck & directed by Fleck, as well. This film tells the 'story' of Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling), a history teacher in an inner-city Brooklyn middle school. He's a hip teacher whose teaching style strikes a chord with his mainly black students. The plot focuses on Dan & his relationship with Drey (Shareeka Epps), a 13 yr. old student of his who witnesses his heavy drug addiction in a dingy bathroom stall. They both seem to understand each other's frustrations in life. The acting is decent. But really, overall, this film disappointed me.
Dan's method of teaching history involves dialectics (tensions between two opposing forces). This unorthodox method is infused into history lessons and he gets the kids energized. However, just because the kids dig history class, doesn't mean they're being inspired in the real world. Still, Dan's passionate about teaching history. But he's also passionate about smoking crack; he does it diligently. Why? He's mildly upset that a relationship is over. And he doesn't have an overly close relationship with his family. And ... that's it. So, drugs 'must' be the answer to his woes, right?
Meanwhile, Drey is the daughter of a mother who works constantly, a father who isn't around, & a brother in prison. Although she's rough around the edges, she doesn't take drugs, though she does have a hand in dealing. She spends most of her time alone or with Mr. Dunn (who also coaches the basketball team she is on). She knows his secret; he knows her struggles. Why smoke crack? Does he have any dark secrets? Does Drey have any? Will they surface? What of Dan's girlfriend? Can he overcome his addiction & inspire his class once again? Ugh, guess what? No plot ensues. We never. find. out.
It's difficult to feel compassion/empathy for a self-destructive druggy like Dan, especially when we don't know why he's the way he is; or, that it appears he may not stop. A story like this needs for an audience to feel compassionate and/or empathetic towards 'something'. There isn't much that's redeeming about Dan, Drey, or the movie, in general. Dan can't get his act together & that, by no means, is inspirational. I suppose I'm giving things away here, but the film begins & ends in a similar cycle. I thought there'd be a 'story' per say, but nothing really unfolds; I'm indifferent to it all. I waited for a story to start & it never does. Whatever perception you have of the film before it starts is more than you actually come away with in the end.
How this self-important indie flick got such impressive accolades is beyond my comprehension. I can see why Gosling is singled out, but I found him better in The Notebook & Stay. And if Oscar-worthy acting means 'long stares', 'mumbling', 'gazing in silence', then how come I can't be nominated for an Academy Award? Drey's character is believable; as is her family, as is Dan. But it doesn't matter much when there's a lack of plot. For as mildly impressive as Gosling is, he's head-&-shoulders better than the whole of the movie. When I watch a movie, I'm looking to be either entertained (by way of comedy, drama, animation, horror, music, etc) or enraptured by small, intimate, character-driven films. I was neither entertained nor enraptured here.
Dan's method of teaching history involves dialectics (tensions between two opposing forces). This unorthodox method is infused into history lessons and he gets the kids energized. However, just because the kids dig history class, doesn't mean they're being inspired in the real world. Still, Dan's passionate about teaching history. But he's also passionate about smoking crack; he does it diligently. Why? He's mildly upset that a relationship is over. And he doesn't have an overly close relationship with his family. And ... that's it. So, drugs 'must' be the answer to his woes, right?
Meanwhile, Drey is the daughter of a mother who works constantly, a father who isn't around, & a brother in prison. Although she's rough around the edges, she doesn't take drugs, though she does have a hand in dealing. She spends most of her time alone or with Mr. Dunn (who also coaches the basketball team she is on). She knows his secret; he knows her struggles. Why smoke crack? Does he have any dark secrets? Does Drey have any? Will they surface? What of Dan's girlfriend? Can he overcome his addiction & inspire his class once again? Ugh, guess what? No plot ensues. We never. find. out.
It's difficult to feel compassion/empathy for a self-destructive druggy like Dan, especially when we don't know why he's the way he is; or, that it appears he may not stop. A story like this needs for an audience to feel compassionate and/or empathetic towards 'something'. There isn't much that's redeeming about Dan, Drey, or the movie, in general. Dan can't get his act together & that, by no means, is inspirational. I suppose I'm giving things away here, but the film begins & ends in a similar cycle. I thought there'd be a 'story' per say, but nothing really unfolds; I'm indifferent to it all. I waited for a story to start & it never does. Whatever perception you have of the film before it starts is more than you actually come away with in the end.
How this self-important indie flick got such impressive accolades is beyond my comprehension. I can see why Gosling is singled out, but I found him better in The Notebook & Stay. And if Oscar-worthy acting means 'long stares', 'mumbling', 'gazing in silence', then how come I can't be nominated for an Academy Award? Drey's character is believable; as is her family, as is Dan. But it doesn't matter much when there's a lack of plot. For as mildly impressive as Gosling is, he's head-&-shoulders better than the whole of the movie. When I watch a movie, I'm looking to be either entertained (by way of comedy, drama, animation, horror, music, etc) or enraptured by small, intimate, character-driven films. I was neither entertained nor enraptured here.