Gavin Wiesen
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Filmography
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Connections, in both directions
Actually, its whole premise could very well have been lifted from a brief bit in Woody Allen 's " Annie Hall ."
(For the record, this general idea was brilliantly presented in just one scene in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall.)
Still in the getting-to-know-each-other stage, George takes Sally to see a revival of Louis Malle's "Zazie dans le métro."
Soon enough, smitten George and the more wordly Sally are skipping school to eat takeout noodles and to catch a revival-house matinee of Louis Malle's "Zazie dans le Metro."
Freddie Highmore, best known as a child actor for roles in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Finding Neverland,” does what he can with the main character of George, a disaffected teenager going to an exclusive prep school.
Partly responsible is a peppy soundtrack that's as cheery-quirky as the film hopes to be, but a large share of the credit has to go to Freddie Highmore ("Finding Neverland," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory").
Writer and director Gavin Wiesen must treasure the irony that this earthbound Peter Pan is played by Freddie Highmore, the young actor from "Finding Neverland."
But he has already wowed as an adorably sincere scene-stealer in "August Rush," "A Good Year" and "The Spiderwick Chronicles," and ably held his own opposite the great Johnny Depp, twice, in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and the sublime "Finding Neverland."
Highmore became famous as a child actor in films like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Finding Neverland, but he's thoroughly unprepared for the challenges of an adult leading role.
The only aspect of the movie that sets it apart as truly worthwhile is the talented Freddie Highmore, who has grown up from the kid we enjoyed in "Finding Neverland" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
It boasts an affecting performance by Freddie Highmore and for awhile it seems to have a “Harold and Maude” vibe, which is a very good thing.
His English teacher, Ms. Herman (Alicia "Clueless" Silverstone, reminding us what a charming screen presence she can have), is thrilled by his observations on 'The Mayor of Casterbridge,' but not by his failure to turn in his thesis.
It's a nothing part, but it reminds me of Silverstone's brilliant turn in the fabulous "Clueless," 16 -- gulp -- years ago.
It’s kinda neat to see Alicia Silverstone ( Beauty Shop ) here, gone from Clueless student to deeply disappointed teacher who does not want to coddle George.
And proving to "Clueless" fans the world over that we're all getting old, Alicia Silverstone (2006's " Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker ") dresses down as English teacher Ms. Herman, who recognizes George's untapped potential.
This first feature from Gavin Wiesen (whose credits list him as an assistant to director Bruce Paltrow on the movie Duets) is about a Manhattan private-school senior named George (Freddie Highmore).
And, coming in the wake of the superior, similarly themed "Submarine," perhaps George needs to consider the last part of another title his movie is reminiscent of, " Igby Goes Down ."
Salinger’s story of a privileged, existentially troubled New York teenager has provided the template for an American indie genre, the quirky, sensitive, coming-of-age stories depicted in films such as Igby Goes Down, Tadpole and last year’s It’s Kind of a Funny Story.
Art School Confidential (2006)
Directed by Terry Zwigoff
influenced The Art of Getting By (2011)
Plot
If the film is at all autobiographical, maybe writer/director Gavin Wiesen is remembering seeing 2008's " The Wackness ," where an unpopular kid at a Manhattan prep school whose parents are undergoing financial difficulties meets the girl of his dreams with a highly improper parent or 2006's " Art School Confidential ," where the protagonist's deluded sense of self nearly derails him, all, of course, while chasing the girl of his dreams.
Principal Martinson gives George the choice of hosting a visiting alumni or expulsion and George ends up with Dustin (Michael Angarano, "Snow Angels," too young for a cynical alumni), a Brooklyn artist who befriends him.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Directed by John Hughes
influenced The Art of Getting By (2011)
Plot
It's basically "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," if Matthew Broderick skipped class to break his stepfather's collarbone and pass out on the street in a pool of his own vomit.
It’s kinda neat to see Alicia Silverstone ( Beauty Shop ) here, gone from Clueless student to deeply disappointed teacher who does not want to coddle George.
If the film is at all autobiographical, maybe writer/director Gavin Wiesen is remembering seeing 2008's " The Wackness ," where an unpopular kid at a Manhattan prep school whose parents are undergoing financial difficulties meets the girl of his dreams with a highly improper parent or 2006's " Art School Confidential ," where the protagonist's deluded sense of self nearly derails him, all, of course, while chasing the girl of his dreams.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Directed by Amy Heckerling
influenced The Art of Getting By (2011)
Themes
Crafted not to give the slightest offense, The Art of Getting By makes the greatand even the mediocreteen movies of 30 years ago, like Fast Times at Ridgemont High , Fame, and Foxes, look even more radical in comparison, with their depiction of obnoxious, horny, property-destroying teens.
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008)
Directed by Peter Sollett
influenced The Art of Getting By (2011)
Themes
Back in 2008, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist offered young love, angst and a nice New York tourism plug for the Gossip Girl crowd that is now a template for the youth of the generation, while somehow making older folks pine for John Hughes all the more.
Rita Wilson (2009's " It's Complicated ") is understated and all the more wonderful for it as Vivian.
To quote Fred Willard in A Mighty Wind, “Hey, wha’ happened?”
Other than being able to put a lot of names on a poster, it is surprising that Fox Searchlight would embrace such a generic work when they have had such a better eye in the past with films like Garden State and (500) Days of Summer (which the studio brought to Sundance rather than picking up.)
Daughter-of-Steven Sasha Spielberg (2010's " The Kids Are All Right ") has some surprisingly nice moments in the small role of Sally's wealthy friend Zoe; this character could have easily been turned into a snooty, stuck-up terror, but she, too, is treated as kind and down-to-earth.