The Low Life

Fine performances and a believable story revolve around a Yale graduate who is stuck in a rut of temp jobs. His bland friends can't help him get on his feet but a strange new roommate whom he thinks he can't stand actually brings out the life that he has pent up inside. At first glance this film may seem slow, a bit dark, and even depressing, but when examined as a whole after completion it really is a little slice of art with stand out performances from Cochrane, Sedgwick, and Astin.

For the most part, I thought that "The Low Life" moved pretty slowly. But even so, it's still worth seeing, if only as a character study. The main character is John Martin (Rory Cochrane), who has moved to Los Angeles hoping to make something of himself, but has to separate carbon copies to make ends meet. He has to stay with geeky Andrew (Sean Astin). Surrounded by several different kinds of people, John tries to maintain his identity however possible.

So, there's nothing particularly special about this movie. Maybe it's worth seeing once. But the entire cast does some interesting things with the characters. I think that that's about the best description that I can give; much of the movie confused me.

Also starring Kyra Sedgwick, James Le Gros, J.T. Walsh, Shawnee Smith, and Renee Zellweger in an early role (she plays the poet).

that takes you in completely. I can't help but noticing that many people praise Sean Astin. I agree, he is wonderful in that role. He makes the audience feel with him. But still I think this is definetely Rory Cochrane's Movies. His performance is so incredibly good, that I saw that movie three times in a row. There never was any doubt that Mr. Cochrane is a very, very talented Actor, but he just shine's out in "the low life". Yes, the movie is somewhat depressing, but it's Cochrane's play to thank for, that the viewer can still enjoy the whole movie. I really can't believe that I just recently saw it for the first time. To bad there might never be a DVD, finally a movie worth buying. bibi Germany

The low life is a film that will no doubt leave you depressed and just for that, you know that this film is well made and very successful in it's aim. It's purpose is to portray the low lives of society, the people who are the 'scum' or the under-dogs of the world, the people we always look down on and give dirty looks. This film tells us that there is a reason for them being the way they are and provokes real sympathy. Sean Astin is the strongest link in this film, one can't help but feel so sorry for his character...all he wants is a friend. Viewers will find themselves hanging out for scenes with him. The low life is a very good film, realistic and thought-provoking....not uplifting, but thats how it should be.

I highly recommend you see this film. The story revolves around one mans struggle to be unaffected by those around him no matter how much they care or try to help . The characters are very well rounded and all serve a purpose (we'll have no throw away characters here thankyou!) The acting is suburb and Rory Cochrane delivers , as usual , a well rounded performance perfectly capturing the stoic struggle with subtlety and intelligence. Sean Astin is at his nerdy best with strong support by Ron Livingston .

Well worth a look.