"Being Flynn" is an awkward, semi-detached autobiographical movie based on the memoirs of Nick Flynn written down in his acclaimed book "Another Bullshit Night in Suck City". Nick Flynn (played with true zest by rising quality actor Paul Dano) recaps a period of his life, when still uncertain of having any publishing future encourages him to take up a temporary post at a homeless shelter in Boston. Once there he comes across his estranged and increasingly manic father (a masterful return by Robert De Niro), a self-proclaimed classic writer, who approaches the facility after losing his apartment and livelihood in the form of a taxi business. Left during childhood Nick feels a need for attachment, but simultaneously cannot garner to trust the unfatherly figure. Instead this enhances memories of his mother (played by Julianne Moore), who worked two jobs in an attempt to raise him as a single mother, until finally committing suicide. The situation forces a collision in an extreme situation, as Flynn's father falls from grace with Nick reluctant to help pick up the pieces.
A somewhat surprising entry by Paul Weitz, probably best known for being the culprit behind the "American Pie" franchise. Rarely comedic, instead it dabbles in the underbelly of both society and family life, engaging throughout mostly due to the terrific performances by its lead cast. The drama lingers creating atmospheric tension between the two main characters, so even if the movie fails to convey a powerful story and has its moments of prolonged lack of direction, the end result brings about a realistic dark portrait. Somewhat depressing in tone "Being Flynn" above all marks a return to greatness by De Niro and a further marked rise as a future great actor by Paul Dano. Despite some script frailties and occasional incapability for dramatic direction by Weitz, it is still a worthwhile watch and at least a very intriguing character study about generational relations.
Plot summary
Working in a Boston homeless shelter, Nick Flynn re-encounters his father, a con man and self-proclaimed poet. Sensing trouble in his own life, Nick wrestles with the notion of reaching out yet again to his dad.
Uploaded by: OTTO
October 03, 2012 at 07:40 AM
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If only they made this about Robert De Niro
Nick Flynn (Paul Dano) is lost but hopes to be a writer. He takes a job at a homeless shelter in Boston, and then later finds his father, Jonathan (Robert De Niro) taking residence.
Jonathan is self professed great writer and master of all. He is an absentee dad. He is unlikeable, annoying, and prideful. Nick is a weak individual and just can't take Jonathan anymore. Paul Dano is once again playing the flustered guy. He is not likable and he is too pathetic. It is impossible to root for him. If this was about the mentally unstable Robert De Niro, it could be an award winning performance. It's somewhat wasted on a film about his son.
EVERYTHING I WRITE IS A MASTERPIECE
The film starts out with two subplots and first person narrations. Jonathan Flynn (Robert De Niro), cab driver, ex-con fancies himself a writer. He carries with pride a rejection letter that praise his work. He has a drinking and reality problem as he proclaims his situation is to "gather excellent material." Everything he writes is a masterpiece or so he constantly reminds us.
His son Nick (Paul Dano) lives in the same city of Boston. He writes poetry, the type of tripe you hear at some poetry house that you think is dark and meaningful. He finds himself working at a homeless shelter, "the last step before the morgue" and it doesn't take much to figure out how these subplots come together. Nick is constantly re-examining his life and childhood he spent being raised by his mother (Julianne Moore), without a father.
The film was well acted. However, the message was all over the place. "It is a long climb up and a quick step down." was one message I got. Whatever father/son relationship message there should have been was lost with quick transitions. Nick's drug addiction was done rather quickly and meaninglessly.
There is one of those dramas indie lovers will praise, but the regular Joe will find lacks solid entertainment value.
Parental Guide: F-bomb, sex, male nudity.