|
A Better Life
| Released |
29 July 2011 |
| Director |
Chris Weitz |
| Starring |
Demian Bichir, José Julián |
| Writer(s) |
Eric Eason |
Producer(s)
|
Paul Junger Witt, Christian McLaughlin, Chris Weitz, Jami Gertz, Stacey Lubliner |
| Origin |
United States |
| Running Time |
98 minutes |
| Genre |
Drama |
| Rating |
TBC |
|
|
Un-Wavering Mexican.
To date Chris Weitz's directing back catalogue could only be described as more 'miss' than 'hit'. When an uncredited American Pie and a Hugh Grant rom-com are your best efforts to date, cinema goers may well be forgiven for deciding to skip Weitz latest venture, A Better Life. This would be a mistake however, as with this film Weitz seems to have turned a corner, for the first time in his career proving he is capable of making a film that will not only satisfy its audience, but leave a lasting impression and inspire reflection.
The struggle surrounding a Mexican immigrant trying to make a life in America for both himself and his son would seem as much alien to Weitz as the status given to his central character. Surprisingly the world Carlos and Luis live in never seems cliché, instead their environment seems genuine, their struggle real. Carlos, a man whose world revolves around providing for his son and avoiding the very real threat of deportation. The coming of age Luis, an American born Mexican, has a very different conflict, that of gang culture and financial stability, of course at a cost.
Why A Better Life works so well is in no small part due to the performances in these central roles. Demian Bichir (most recently seen in our very own The Runway) again proves why he's often cited as Mexico's finest working actor. He manages to convey a constant weighted performance with minimal effort. It's extremely hard not to root for the guy. Jose Julian, in only his second major role, not only complements but equals Bichir’s efforts. The chemistry between both actors is undeniable. The film’s final -and standout- scene particularly highlights both actors exceptional ability.
Extremely earnest in its execution, A Better Life, is a thought provoking look at a society that we're aware of, but unfamiliar with. Both leads will hopefully be remember when award season rolls round again.
- David Prendergast |
