The Art of Getting By (2011)
Directed by Gavin Wiesen
George, a lonely and fatalistic teen who's made it all the way to his senior year without ever having done a real day of work, is befriended by Sally, a popular but complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit.
18 connections found
View:
18 films that influenced The Art of Getting By
What critics say influenced The Art of Getting By
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.
Advertisement
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.
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.
Advertisement
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.
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.