Currently known as Jim from NBC's 'The Office,' actor John Krasinski is attempting to broaden his horizons, and appeal, by tackling the late David Foster Wallace's Brief Interviews with Hideous Men. Unfortunately, his attempts should and will go unnoticed as the film, though starting strong, proves to lack focus and clarity, quickly becoming my most regretted watch of the entire festival.
In the film, Julianne Nicholson plays Sara Quinn, a beautiful, intelligent student who has just been dumped by her long-time boyfriends. A doctoral candidate at a prestigious university, Sara attempts to mend her broken heart and achieve her academic goals by investigating the male intellect. In her research studies, most noticeably the large number of interviews she conducts with various subjects, Sara begins to piece together the way men think, learning more about men and herself than she could have ever wanted to.
In the beginning, Krasinski paints a fluid picture as he works both comedy and drama into the film, bringing out the best in each actor. Yet, for some odd reason, about fifteen minutes in, the blend comes to a sudden stop. The jokes, though present, lose their wit and charm, becoming mundane as the film progresses.
There is simply no personality to the film or its emotionless story. Sure the airport scene is intriguing and a few of the interviews carry wit and humor, but the film and its cast never capitalize on those moments. Instead, they continue to play it safe, showing themselves in a linear format, never breaking free and never wowing those anxiously watching from their seats.
In addition, the film's actors each seem out of sync as their individual performance is worthy, but their on-screen chemistry is nowhere to be found. Instead of peaceful transitions, the film is hardened by individual stories, making the film as a whole drag to an unfortunate conclusion that will leave you dry and bewildered.
Blame it on first-time director John Krasinski, or blame it on the cast, crew and everyone else involved, but the film just doesn't hit the mark. Who knows, maybe there were simply too many cooks in the kitchen, or maybe the story was never meant to become a film. Regardless, it is missing a series of key ingredients that prevent it from being fun, entertaining or even watchable.
