Cake

An excellent film with an intriguing plot, delivered with a refreshingly down-to-earth storytelling. The buzz about Jennifer Aniston is actually true -- it takes very little time for Aniston to disappear on the screen (and after 15 years of daily Rachel, that in itself is a big achievement). It is someone new we are introduced to in the film, and well... I followed Claire with a mix of annoyance, empathy and curiosity, totally absorbed.

The central story is very good and the big answers are withheld from us in such way that you keep trying and paying attention not to miss anything, because in this film, there is much beauty in the detail. Much to Aniston's credit, it's her performance that grabs you, and the subtlety in how the story is revealed makes our understanding of what's happening to this broken body and soul both moving and endearing. There is humour as well, dark and quick, and it does not let you soak on it for too long. Just as life.

There are some minor "deviations" in the story which don't really add much to the realism of everything else, and it somewhat pulls you back from the emotional depth you had been immersed until then - but those are brief moments.

Small budget, great script, great direction and a solid, moving performance by Aniston (which led me to tears). The remaining cast deserves praise as well, and all comes together really nicel. But it should be said, Aniston has done a brilliant job on this one. She has talent. I would hope Hollywood-land is paying attention and allow us to enjoy more of her in more of these.

Claire Bennett (Jennifer Aniston) suffers from constant pain and struggling with a tragic lost. Her housekeeper Silvana (Adriana Barraza) is her constant and mostly her only helper. She goes to a support group where Nina Collins (Anna Kendrick) just committed suicide. After threatening group leader Annette (Felicity Huffman), she gets Nina's address and befriends Nina's husband Roy Collins (Sam Worthington). She's hooked on pain killers and haunted by Nina's presence.

Aniston does a great job. The story isn't much and there is a need for more tension. I am still not sold on Sam Worthington. His character has potential to give Aniston something to play off of but he provides very little. In contrast, William H. Macy has a juicy scene and goes to town on it. This is a simple story that needs something to elevate the danger. It's relying too much on simply will she or won't she.

So... a pretty, funny, former sitcom actress... gives us a few signs that she might be capable of playing roles outside of the 'amusing chick' rom-com regular.

She does parts that secure her reputation of being a talented American 'cutie', she plays 'off-beat' characters with ease... and only occasionally lets the 'pay-day' Hollywood 'starlet' see the light of day.

Then she does this. A film that explores suicide, mental illness, self-loathing and the morality of friendship.

At the age of 60, I have gotten used to the annual round of 'Oscar Worthy' films being shoved down our throats... but this is different. Fine writing, authentic story telling... and unnecessarily great acting.

Any 'Oscar' hungry actor could have made a decent job of this... but Ms Aniston makes a brilliant job of it. She is no 'pretty-girl' actor here... she displays vulnerability, courageous wit... and does it all with aplomb.

If she doesn't get 'Best Actress'... the 'Oscars' are irrelevant.

I am not a Jennifer Anniston fan although I have enjoyed the odd thing she has done over the years but she truly is gifted in this portrayal. The movie hinges on this character so if it was not done with great integrity and clarity and humor --it would not work. Ms. Anniston actually looks like a person and not terribly attractive at that --not a movie star in any way. Which is crucial to entering into this story. The supporting characters particularly her "maid" who is absolutely wonderful and integral to the story are mostly well drawn. It is not a movie that to entertain in the light vein (needless to say) but it is well worth watching for this compelling story of a woman in many kinds of pain and how she begins to overcome that overwhelming pain.

Jennifer Aniston plays Clare, a woman in chronic pain who becomes curious about a fellow support group member's-Nina's (Anna Kendrick in dream sequences)-suicide. She ends up becoming involved in Nina's husband (Sam Worthington) and his child platonically though she also has a maid who also cares for her even though she doesn't always treat her with the utmost respect. I'll stop there and just say this was quite a departure for Ms. Aniston from her usual comedic persona as she's convincingly quite pathetic in appearance and demeanor. This was not an easy thing to sit through and one gets confused a few times but for all that, I recommend Cake.