If movies with mutants lifting submarines out of the water isn't your cup of tea, then you might want to check out the Ewan McGregor, Melanie Laurent (Inglourious Basterds), and Christopher Plummer drama Beginners directed by Mike Mills (Thumbsucker). This actually looks to be a pretty solid dramatic comedy (comedic drama?) and a surprisingly good alternative for the blockbuster noise-fest that's going to be raining down on our heads for the next 2-3 months, especially when the complementary films for this time of year are usually really miserable romantic comedies, so non-blockbuster fans rejoice. To prep everyone for today's opening, Focus Features has released a few final clips and a special featurette to convince people to show up - you should.
Here's the official synopsis...
Beginners imaginatively explores the hilarity, confusion, and surprises of love through the evolving consciousness of Oliver (McGregor). Oliver meets the irreverent and unpredictable Anna (Laurent) only months after his father Hal (Plummer) has passed away. This new love floods Oliver with memories of his father who – following 44 years of marriage – came out of the closet at age 75 to live a full, energized, and wonderfully tumultuous gay life. The upheavals of Hal’s new honesty, by turns funny and moving, brought father and son closer than they’d ever been able to be. Now Oliver endeavors to love Anna with all the bravery, humor, and hope that his father taught him.
Christopher Plummer comes across as quite hilarious in these clips, and most likely, in this film in its entirety. It's nice to see him in such good form. And now for the clips...
"Akbar"
"Awfully Alone"
"Joy of Sex"
"Fatherly Advice"
Beginners Featurette
