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The Man from Elysian Fields 2001 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by George Hickenlooper
R, 105 min. (language, sexual content) |
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Starring: Andy Garcia, Mick Jagger, Julianna Margulies, Olivia Williams, James Coburn, Anjelica Huston, Michael Des Barres
Producers: Donald Zuckerman, Donald Pfeffer, Andrew Pfeffer, Andy Garcia, David Kronemyer
Screenplay: Phillip Jayson Lasker
Cinematography: Kramer Morgenthau
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films, Fireworks Pictures
Released: 9/27/02 (Limited) |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
Now here's a film that is intelligently written, sublimely acted, and at ease with itself - it allows its characters to breathe and
drive the plot forward, rather than the other way around. Director George Hickenlooper and writer Phillip Jayson Lasker
develop a sense of inevitable momentum, with characters that understand themselves, their weaknesses, and the
consequences that come with selfish decisions. The Man from Elysian Fields doesn't force its issues onto the audience;
it gently coaxes us to ponder the questions it raises - Is pain required to acquire success? Are some means to an end
forgivable? The film is wise enough to leave the answers to the viewer even though it has an opinion.
This is a sophisticated, literate film. The dialogue flows effortlessly from its characters, eschewing cliches for lifelike
conversation and real world sensibilities. The characters interact with respect and grace, never rising above the necessary
boundaries of their personas. Lesser films would have showdowns of shrieking banter, endless exposition on the sins
of the characters, and a trite resolution that is unearned and shallow. Not here. The film avoids hysterics and irrational
confrontations in favor of subdued conversation and restrained accountability. The mood and settings are almost perfect,
blending the right mix of atmosphere and elegant interaction. It's a stylistically competent, well-acted picture that engages
the viewer with mesmerizing effeciency.
The story centers around a struggling writer, Byron Tiller (Andy Garcia), whose first book ("Hitler's Child") was critically
acclaimed but ignored by readers. His latest book, which details the plight of immigrant workers, has been rejected by
his editor, leaving him unable to support his wife, Dena (Julianna Margulies), and son. Enter Luther Fox (Jagger),
a suave, well-mannered man who offers Byron employment with his male escort service that "tends to the wounds of lonely
women in need of emotional as well as spiritual solace." At first hesitant, Byron reluctantly
accepts his first assignment as an escort for the beautiful Andrea Allcott (Olivia Williams), the lonely wife of an ailing
Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Tobias Allcott (James Coburn). Tobias, who approves of Andrea's actions, seeks the help
of a fellow writer to improve his last book about the Roman Empire. Byron more or less moves into the palatial mansion,
comforting Andrea while rewriting Tobias' book. Meanwhile, Dena grows suspicious of Byron's nightly absences,
questioning his cover story of working on the final details of his own to-be-published book.
This is one of those rare films that emphasizes its supporting characters over its protagonist. Each person is carefully
studied and detailed, enriching the storyline and bolstering its merit. Luther and Tobias are flawed men with a deep
sense of appreciation for life and true happiness. And Dena is a loving wife that loves her husband because of his
weaknesses, a sure sign that "she settles too easily." Hickenlooper moves from one scene to the next with a near
perfect sense of direction, of where his characters and storyline are headed. He's efficient, cutting needless scenes (such
as lovemaking or a deathbed scene) that don't insult the viewer. Instead, he emphasizes the quiet, self-recognized
moments that his characters must come to terms with - that their actions and consequences are understood and
accepted. If any film has earned a cathartic conclusion, this is it.
The performances are top notch. James Coburn and Mick Jagger utilize the lines on their face to portray the experience
and certain wisdom that comes with old age. Their efforts are palpable and heartfelt, Coburn as the hardened author
gasping for one last reinforcement and Jagger as the aging gigolo that yearns for a family that he forsake. Andy Garcia
plays Byron with a relaxed confidence that gives him authority but meaningful resonance. And Williams and Margulies
imbue their characters with intense love and hurt for their respective husbands. Finally, Angelica Houston makes a
cameo as Luther's only remaining client, lending tangible proof of Luther's unfulfilled lifestyle.
The Man from Elysian Fields is admittedly a film for patient viewers who appreciate well-developed characters and
competent storytelling - you won't find too many people under the age of 30 who will enjoy what is has to offer. But
this is a film made for those who have lived a little, who have tasted the sweet joys and sour lows that lasting relationships
can provide. It's an enjoyable, highly watchable endeavor that, like wine, gets better with age.
© 2002 Jonathan Cornwell
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 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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