Effective Mixed Message

Rating: 8/10 (24 April 2008)

I haven't read the book this film was based on, nor do I know anything about the person who inspired the book. So--my opinion is based solely on the film.
I think this is a very effective movie. Despite the fact that I was acutely aware of "Alexander's" irresponsibility, I have to acknowledge the that story is compelling and that it draws you in deeply.
I see that a lot of people here are disparaging the film because of the story line: the hero is selfish and self-indulgent. I think that's exactly what's so good about this film. At one level we know the guy is emotionally crippled, and it's hard to describe his behavior as anything other than passive-aggressive to the extreme. On another level we're totally into his experience and we see his life as he sees it. We are able to experience the joy he experiences, even though we're critical of the motivation and ethics of his behavior.
While I was watching I couldn't help thinking what a difficult screenplay this must have been to write. I think it was done extremely well, and I thought the juxtaposition of "past" and "recent past" was effective.
I was reluctant to watch this movie, but, as it has so many good reviews, it was on my list. I put the DVD in half-expecting to bail on it after a few minutes. I was completely caught up in it right from the beginning.
The one complaint I have was the casting of Vince Vaughn. He's an excellent actor but unfortunately it's no longer possible to separate his acting from his well-publicized persona. It was jarring when he appeared on screen. In South Dakota? This was a case where casting against type was doomed from the get go.