Two thumbs up for this film.
Directed by Jason Reitman ("Up and away")and written by Diablo Cody ("Juno")I was earnestly transfixed by the life and times of protaganist Mavis Gary. (Charlize Theron)
A recent divorcee who seeks comfort in scotch, junk food and playing wii. Mavis's days entail surviving hangovers whilst dodging her editor's deadline demands.
She swims in a sea of reality TV that appears to cross over into her real life.
This paltry existence is thrown into disarray when she receives the news that her childhood sweetheart is celebrating the birth of his first child. OUCH!
Deluded, Mavis believes this is a sign that she is destined to reunite with him.
Hastily she sets off dressed in her raggy tracksuit and her mascara stained eyes. She takes the open road in her red and white mini with her trusty if not somewhat neglected pomeranian.
As she goes, she sings along to "The concept" by Teenage Fanclub. I didn't really understand why this song was etched out over an entire scene. Obviously it meant something to Mavis, but to us as an audience,the scene was laboured and the meaning was unclear.
Despite her best intentions to reclaim her man,Mavis is stopped promptly in her tracks. This detour is provided by former classmate "Matt Freehauf"(played by real life comedian Patton Oswalt)
Matt has struggled to move on with his own life after enduring some heinous high school bullying.He prefers to hide out in his sisters basement painting figurines and making Home brew.
Despite the pairs outward differences,their shared love of scotch and disdain for others ensures they become inextricably linked.
Matt points out to Mavis that her former flame Buddy Slade (played by a low key Patrick Wilson)has moved on and is a happily married father.
Beguiled, Mavis believes there's nothing that a rockin' pair of heels and a good pedicure can't fix. Her obsession with outside appearances and seeking esteem in boozy one night stands has left her entirely lonely.
Thats what I love about this film. Despite its obvious comic appeal;there are real human conditions on show here.
A self seeking woman such as Mavis just "cant get no satisfaction".An insatiable thirst for someone or something to fill the void. When reality starts to hit,she chooses once more to escape from it by seducing her portly drinking buddy "Matt".
In the morning, an unfulfilled and deluded Mavis succumbs once more....
In the final scene, Mavis is confronted by Matt's sister. A starry eyed on looker who enviously explains how lucky Mavis is and how much better she is than her small town counterparts.
In response, Mavis picks up her bag,head held high. Safe in the knowledge that she will live another day and who gives a shit what those honky tonks think anyway!
Bingo! A true ending where our main character does NOT miraculously morph into a more evolved state with better morals.
She simply remains stuck where she is. Inflated ego in tack. Nothing more,nothing less.
As for you Miss Theron. I love your work girlfriend! Yes, your stunning, yes your an Oscar winner. Although for me,this was your finest hour. Dying is easy, Comedy is hard.
See this film guys!
JAX xx
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