|
Jack Goes Boating
| Released |
4 November 2011 |
| Director |
Philip Seymour Hoffman |
Starring
|
Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Ortiz, Richard Petrocelli, Thomas McCarthy, Amy Ryan, Daphne Rubin-Vega |
| Writer(s) |
Bob Glaudini |
Producer(s)
|
Beth O'Neil, Peter Saraf, Marc Turtletaub, Emily Ziff |
| Origin |
United States |
| Running Time |
91 minutes |
| Genre |
Comedy, drama, romance |
| Rating |
TBC |
|
|
Plain sailing.
You could see why Jack Goes Boating would be an attractive first project for an actor turned director. Based on a stage play by Robert Glaudini (who adapts his own work for the screen here), Jack Goes Boating is a chamber piece driven by dialogue and acting. And if there’s one thing Philip Seymour Hoffman knows, it’s acting. He wrings great performances out of his cast but for me, there was still something lacking.
At the beginning of the film we are introduced to shy, lonely Jack (Hoffman) and his best friend Clyde (John Ortiz). The pair work together at a limo service and are very close; so close that Jack has become something of a third wheel in the marriage between Clyde and his wife Lucy (Daphne Rubin-Vega). The couple decide to introduce Jack to one of Lucy’s co-workers, the sweet but strange Connie (Amy Ryan). The pair hit it off and make a date to go boating in the summer. Clyde starts to teach Jack to swim in preparation but as Jack begins to grow in confidence, Clyde’s marriage is falling apart.
My major reservation was that there is a strange disconnect between the conceit of the plot (which would not be out of place in a screwball comedy) and the characters (all of whom seem very real and sincere). Like many stage to screen adaptations, it occasionally feels a little stilted; as if the movement of the plot is weighed down by the abundance of its dialogue. Occasionally the film slips into the kind of visual confinement of a stage play.
Despite these problems, there is still a lot to savour here. Hoffman’s direction is clean and simple, allowing the actors room to breathe. And the cast are a joy to watch. All four bring to life characters who are flawed but likable; it is easy to spend time in their company. Hoffman is the quiet heart of the film and his friendship with Clyde is touching. Most compelling though is Amy Ryan as Connie. Ryan’s performance has genuine depth and complexity. Connie is a unique creation, hard to read but utterly compelling.
All in all, Jack Goes Boating is a sweet if flawed directorial debut from a great actor. Definitely worth a look for the strength of the performances.
-
Linda O’Brien |
