Indignation

(RATING: ☆☆☆☆½ out of 5 ) THIS FILM IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. IN BRIEF: An underrated film that deserves to be seen...one of the year's best dramas. GRADE: A- SYNOPSIS: In 1951, a young Jewish man goes to college to avoid the Korean War and falls in love with serious consequences. JIM'S REVIEW: Based on Philip Roth's novel, Indignation tells the familiar story of a young repressed Jewish man falling in love (or lust) with a beautiful Gentile woman in the 1950's era. A rehash of Goodbye Columbus without the comic edge and irony, this film follows a similar outline by the same author, but is far more solemn and serious in its treatment. This is typical Roth territory in which our hero will try to overcome the obstacles placed in his path as fate deals its upper hand. Marcus Messner (Logan Lerman) is an intellectual loner. Yearning to escape from his domineering Jewish family, he goes off to a conservative Christian college rather than fighting in the Korean War. It is there he meets Olivia (Sarah Gadon), a beautiful blonde vision of loveliness and their first date leads to a budding romance. It is also there that he encounters an omnipotent and powerful head dean, Dean Caudwell (Tracy Letts, in a powerful performance, but more on that later), who has great difficulty coming to terms with this all too rational and radical student and avowed atheist. The screenplay adaptation by James Schamus, who also directed the film, is first rate. It allows the characters to intellectualize their philosophies with such eloquence. The film starts off a bit too leisurely but establishes characters and place so effortlessly. The film structure begins as a flashback with narrative voice-over that doesn't really make much sense until its full circle ending, with one of the most powerful closing shots that emotionally left me gasp. Mr. Schamus' literate script aligns with his skillful direction, as this talented filmmaker captures the mindset of this nostalgic but troubled era in an understated fashion. (Speaking of fashions, the costume design by the gifted Ann Roth is a visual treat as well.) About the midway point, there is a remarkable dramatic scene that highlights the glorious direction, screenplay, and acting unlike any other film thus far this year. It is a rather lengthy confrontation between our idealist liberal young hero sparring with a smug conservative dean. The teacher becomes intellectually inferior to his student as their conversation continues. The tension builds ominously and slowly in this cat-and mouse gamesmanship, maneuvering from one point of view to the next. It is startling its its subtlety and impact. Simply put, it is the highlight of this film and one of the most engrossing scenes one will see this year in any film. The acting is superb. Mr. Lerman as Marcus is perfectly cast and carries off the innocence of youth angle in this coming-of-age tale. This actor commands the screen and makes his character quite believable and caring. His love interest played by Ms. Gadon definitely looks the part, but her acting skills never reach the depth of her written character. She needed to be that 50's female icon, a Grace Kelly type, but comes off as a second-tier Kim Novak or a third -rate Cybil Shepard. She's good, but not good enough when compared to the stellar acting by others in this movie. The film is populated with top-notch Broadway veterans in supporting roles who certainly know their way around a script. Danny Burstein plays Marcus' over-protective father and he is so strong in his nuanced acting that one wishes he had more screen time. Adding fine support in smaller roles are Ben Rosenfield and Pico Anderson. But there are two truly great performances that deserve award recognition: Linda Emond as Esther, Marcus' loving mother, who has a wonderful speech as she tries to steer her son into making the right decision. It is delivered with such skill and passion. Tracy Leets as the egotistical and bigoted Dean Caudwell, is a marvel, creating one of the most terrifying teacher role models since J.K. Simmon's sadistic teacher in Whiplash. The hatred and intolerance of others is so condensed in Mr. Leets' body language and facial expressions that the end results counteract his words in the most unsettling manner. (Oscar voters, are you listening?) The film's theme about life' s choices, about the road we take or did not take, about the small detours that can have consequences which will eternally haunt our existence, is foremost in this thought-provoking story. Mr. Schamus has made an compelling case with his wonderful debut, Indignation. Let us hope this independent film makes a compelling reason with the movie-going audience for compulsory viewing and is not lost amid the blockbusters and cinematic hyperbole that is usually the par for the summer course. Run to see this film while you can! It demands your attention!

What can I say? This movie started out like a seemingly carefree experience about college life in the repressed early 1950s. Somewhere along the line, it does a complete about face and becomes an extremely serious take on pre-material sex, interfaith romance,the belief or lack of in God, the misfortunes of war and destiny. The performances were all outstanding and captured the morals and the social structure of the early 1950s. At times, some scenes were a bit long and slightly dull, but this reflects on the concept of this film....life can be dull and boring until one opens up their being to new experiences. Wuthout giving the ending away, it is a surprise and extremely depressing. I like happy endings and unfortunately, this film ending ranks as one of the most depressing in film history. Still, if you love great acting, see this film. 10 out of 10.

Well respected Producer James Schamus ("Brokeback Mountain", "HULK", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") leaps into the directors chair with ease and beauty, presenting a youth oriented torrid love story set against the Korean War. At the heart of the film is Marcus (Logan Lerman - "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" 2012), a young Jewish boy searching for the meaning of life, death and love. His attraction, Olivia Hutton (Sarah Gadon - "The Amazing Spider-Man 2"), is herself at odds with society. While the two fight for their existence, Dean Caudwell (Tracy Letts - Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of "Killer Joe" and "August: Osage County") and Marcus' mother Ester (Linda Emond) are present to question their every move. Under Schamus'superb direction, the film moves slowly and deliberately, enabling every nuance of each characters story to build with tension and angst, keeping the audience wondering if and when the characters may implode. Based on the novel by Philip Roth (which I haven't read), Schumas has written an outstanding story, featuring top rated dialogue exchanges between Marcus, Dean Caudwell and his mother. Set in 1951 Ohio, Cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt and Costumes by Amy Roth enable the film to feel comfortable and familiar. Marcus' classmates Philip Ettinger and Ben Rosenfield, and his father Max (Danny Bursting), are perfect contradictions to everything Marcus believes in. "Indignation" is a grown-up film that beautifully captures youth oriented angst of family, friends, love and purpose. Don't miss this one! Award recognition is sure to follow here.

I had no idea what the actual premise for this film was, but I did think it would be a period melodrama that could also prove to be overly sentimental and a little sappy. However, it really surprised me in what it actually turned out to be. It's a coming-of-age take that is different from most that we get. It's very dialogue-driven and that dialogue is just a joy to listen to. The film takes a deep look into the characters' psychologies and doesn't resort to the usual dramatics that films of this type usually do. Logan Lerman is an incredibly talented actor and he once again shows his skill here. A mature and very detailed performance.

It's so good to watch a movie where the dialog is outstanding - funny heartbreaking, frustrating and meaningful. Really listen to the dialog. There are some scenes which are just so outstanding - the first meeting in the dean' office and then when the mother talks to her son about his father and then his girlfriend. The characters are not stereotypical. The Jewish protective father instead of mother is an interesting thing to watch. Although the issues are 50s issues, this is not an old fashioned or irrelevant movie. The acting is so good I only thought about the themes and message of the story later on.

Logan Lerman's sensitive face is just right for this role. The character could seem stubborn and annoying if another actor had played him, but Logan has a likability that overcomes that. Sarah Gadon as the girl he loves is fascinating to watch as the well mannered but damaged beauty. An unforgettable character. Tracy Letts as the dean plays it just right - not a caricature of conservatism but another fascinating creature to watch. Linda Emond is restrained and effective as the worried mother.

This is a serious movie with some unexpected humor in between. A must watch - one of the best dramas in recent years.