The Humbling

It's interesting that a lot of reviews compare this film to "Birdman". It's probably because both films center on the theatre and have ambiguous endings though there aren't as many flights of fancy on display here. If nothing else see this film for Al Pacino's masterful performance as Simon Axler, a once renowned actor who is losing his feel for performing and is contemplates suicide. After a stint at a mental institution he reconnects with Pegeen (Greta Gerwig), a thirtysomething lesbian who's burned the torch for Simon since she was a child. Simon's relationship with Pegeen reinvigorates him but it comes at a cost. Pegeen proves to be a selfish manipulative parasite who causes Simon more anxiety and complications than his fragile psyche can handle. On top of that Simon has to deal with Pegeen's disapproving parents and former lovers. This is a carefully calibrated turn by Pacino of a man on the verge of emotional meltdown and he wisely dials it down. Pacino could have howled at the moon as he was prone to do in previous roles but allows his raspy voice, age lined face and mournful eyes do the talking for him. Gerwig is equally fine making a potentially obnoxious character not only palatable but somewhat endearing. Good supporting cast but I'd give a special shout out to Nina Arianda as a woman who hilariously tries to contract Simon to kill her husband. Last year Arianda distinguished herself in the relatively obscure "Rob the Mob" so here's hoping Hollywood is taking notice. Director Barry Levinson expertly juggles the comedic and dramatic elements of the film based on a Philip Roth novel. Octogenarian Buck Henry co-wrote an acidly wicked script fifty years after he helped create "Get Smart" with Mel Brooks and contributed to "The Graduate" screenplay. Which leads me to the question as to when they are going to issue on DVD Milos Forman's first American film "Taking Off" starring Henry. I don't know if you can categorize any endeavor of Al Pacino's as a small film but "The Humbling" is an exceptional undertaking.

The premise was a little far fetched and it was somewhat slow in parts, but Pacino did his usual job of excellent acting. Thought of giving it 3 stars, but because of Pacino I went to 4.

Just A Mess of a Movie

Became a fan of Pacino around 2002. Never watched tv much but was curious about movies my mother loved when she was about the same age. Since then I have watched almost everything available with Pacino as star/director. I appreciated this movie also. It reminds me of our mortality and motivates me to get busy with life now. So it's true I didn't know who Pacino was, but mom would demand to see The Godfather in absolute silence. So I had heard of THE movie.

This is the worst Al Pacino film I have ever seen. Complete dreck and waste of time! The film was much too long, and incredibly self indulgent. I expected so much more from the Director and Cast, but instead was completely disappointed. Note: the cover image for the Blu Ray (and I assume also for the DVD) was nowhere to be seen in the actual film. I wish I could rate this a ZERO. Don't waste your time.

Powerful. Al is unique

The downfall of greatness, in this case an actor, is of course a fascinating subject, but this movie is not interesting. The screenplay relies on oddball characters, dream/delusion sequences, and of course that device so beloved in Hollywood, conversations with a therapist. Stuff happens, the scenes go on and on, but it's all so banal! To be fair all this crap is not terribly boring, though that's mostly due to the always watchable Pacino, the rest of the cast contributes nothing of value. Pacino is certainly pathetic as the doddering old actor, and indeed this movie is such a travesty that it's like watching the death of his real career on screen, but elder abuse is a crime not entertainment.

I did like this film—but I tend to like anything Al does—he is so real and in the moment/character—and yet still Al Pacino—where life is his stage.

tout est bien

Brilliant.

horrible movie