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Beginners

Beginners

By Patrick Samuel • June 16th, 2013
Static Mass Rating: 4/5
BEGINNERS (MOVIE)
Universal Pictures

Original release: June 3rd, 2011
Running time: 104 minutes

Writer and director: Mike Mills

Cast: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Mélanie Laurent, Goran Visnjic, Mary Page Keller, Cosmo

Beginners

Change terrifies a lot of us. We’re habitual creatures, so once we get used to life the way it is, even with all its banal routines, it’s difficult to welcome anything new, no matter how good it can be for us. Beginners, written and directed by Mike Mills, is the semi-autobiographical story of how 38 year old graphic designer and commitment-phobe Oliver (Ewan McGregor) deals with the changes in his life. It’s told in flashbacks as he embarks on a relationship with fellow commitment-phobe, Anna (Mélanie Laurent).

Some five years previously, soon after losing his mother, Oliver’s father comes out. Hal (Christopher Plummer) embraces the changes this brings in his life; he starts to dress differently, goes out clubbing, listens to house music, becomes involved in gay rights, puts out a personal ad and gets a young boyfriend, Andy (Goran Visnjic). He begins his life again, no longer afraid of the prejudice, shame and punishments from the law that being gay in the 1950’s was associated with. He’s also been diagnosed with terminal cancer. With time running out, his zest for life only continues to grow.

It’s a funny and very touching story of the external struggles of an older man juxtaposed with the internal struggles of a younger man who has all of the opportunities and none of the restraints his father had. Still, even then, Oliver can’t seem to get past that thing which makes all his relationships fail, but if there’s one thing his last few years with his father taught him, it’s that it’s never too late to change.

Beginners

Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor are absolutely wonderful in their roles as Hal and Oliver and their scenes together are pure magic. The relationship between them is one that’s affectionate, respectful and close. It’s a bond rarely seen between father and son as they dance together, buy books and watch movies with his gay friends. As Hal’s health deteriorates, there’s a very moving scene where Oliver holds his hand to comfort him. While the romance and drama between Oliver and Anna unfolds just as beautifully, it was really this father and son relationship that captured my attention and emotions.

The writing, together with the score, direction, editing and performances make this a truly wonderful to experience, Beginnersand in a cinematic landscape of prequels, sequels, computer and comic book adaptations, Beginners is a rare treat for us all.

Another wonderful performance in the movie is from the talented and spirited Jack Russell, Cosmo. He plays Arthur, who belonged to Hal but has now adopted Oliver as his master. There are some wonderful moments when Oliver shows him around his new home and eventually asks him to speak, and a caption beneath Arthur reads “While I understand up to 150 words, I don’t talk”. Unable to be left on his own, Arthur attaches himself to Oliver wherever he goes and becomes a third member of his relationship with Anna.

Written by Mills only a few months after his own father’s passing, and while he was mourning, Beginners captures something crucial for all of us, a message that’s twofold; it’s never too late and there’s never enough time.

Beginners

Patrick Samuel

Patrick Samuel

The founder of Static Mass Emporium and one of its Editors in Chief is an emerging artist with a philosophy degree, working primarily with pastels and graphite pencils, but he also enjoys experimenting with water colours, acrylics, glass and oil paints.

Being on the autistic spectrum with Asperger’s Syndrome, he is stimulated by bold, contrasting colours, intricate details, multiple textures, and varying shades of light and dark. Patrick's work extends to sound and video, and when not drawing or painting, he can be found working on projects he shares online with his followers.

Patrick returned to drawing and painting after a prolonged break in December 2016 as part of his daily art therapy, and is now making the transition to being a full-time artist. As a spokesperson for autism awareness, he also gives talks and presentations on the benefits of creative therapy.

Static Mass is where he lives his passion for film and writing about it. A fan of film classics, documentaries and science fiction, Patrick prefers films with an impeccable way of storytelling that reflect on the human condition.

Patrick Samuel ¦ Asperger Artist

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