DVD Review - “Half Nelson”
GRADE: A
I regret not seeing “Half Nelson” in the theaters and before putting out my top ten list of movies for 2006. I am glad however that I got a chance to see it before the Academy Awards ceremony at the end of this month. Ryan Gosling gives one the bravest acting jobs of 2006 with this quiet and powerful performance. Who would have thought that Gosling’s post “Notebook” gig would speak such volumes to so many viewers and critics?
The plot surrounds 8th grade history teacher Mr. Dunne and a relationship that surfaces between one his students when he is caught smoking crack at school. That is the only description I feel fit to give. I wouldn’t give justice to the many subtleties and nuances that are brilliantly portrayed between Gosling and his female student. Mr. Dunne struggles to stay on top of his over whelming sense of loneliness and drug addictions. We witness his demons slowly peak their way into his life until he crumbles in a humiliating climax.
The story is told in such a way that lingers with you much after the film has ended. Gosling’s haunting and vacant expressions captivate your attention. For an actor to portray such conflict and inner struggle with just a glance is remarkable. I have heard many critics compare his performance to that of a young Marlon Brando, and I agree. I am excited to see what kind of acting choices Gosling makes following the success of “Half Nelson”. The same can be said for the young actress that plays the confused but easily influenced “Drey”. She is a revelation as well portraying her character with a soft spoken tone with eyes wiser beyond her 13 years of age.
This film is what independent cinema should be about. It is about portraying topics like depression, drug addiction and poverty in a way that can people feel empathy for these characters, and want to make changes in there own life to avoid these pitfalls. This films scores on all levels much like 2006’s “Sherry Baby” starring Maggie Gyllenhaal did. This movie is a brilliant companion piece to that film. Both portray drug addiction in a human and compassionate way giving no answers to the problem but showing us how hard it can be for redemption from guilt.
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