Movie Review - The Savages

The Savages marks the return to filmmaking by director Tamara Jenkins, whose ten year departure from the business took many by surprise after the critical acclaim that came for her last film, The Slums of Beverly Hills.  She may have been disappeared for ten years, but it certainly doesn't seem like she missed a beat as she has come back stronger than ever with a brilliant tale of life, death, and all the moments in between.  From a script written by herself, Jenkins directs two of the best actors in the business today (the incomparable Laura Linney and the man that doesn't seem to know how to pick a bad script lately... Mr. Philip Seymour Hoffman).  The Savages tells the story of Jon and Wendy Savage, the products of a faulty marriage, who are faced with the decreasing health and impending death of their Dementia ridden father.  While the advertisements for this film may have led viewers to believe they were going to see a dark comedy, they drastically understated just how serious this film turns out to be.  A character piece, this wonderfully written story is unforgettably brought to life through the utterly brilliant performances of both Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Linney.  In a role that quiet possibly could garnish a golden statue by the name of Oscar, Laura Linney shines are the eccentric Wendy, a struggling play-write, who fails to be able to accept the choices that need to be made when dealing with the failing heath of a loved one.  Her work opposite Philip Seymour Hoffman just may be the best she has ever shown, which says a lot when one glances over her career resume that includes stellar performances in The Squid in the Whale, Kinsey, Love Actually and Mystic River. Ms. Linney's performance is wonderfully matched by that of her co-star, as Philip Seymour Hoffman stands tall, rivaling all of her on screen moments.  Tamara Jenkins has touched on something that everyone goes through at one point in their life, and really drives the message home when she tells audiences that no matter what troubles you have, don't let them tear your family apart, because in the end it is that family that helps you to get through the worst of times.

The Savages

* * * *

Dir. Tamara Jenkins