Beginners (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Mark W

  
  Writer/Director Mike Mills' long awaited follow-up to his 2005 film "Thumbsucker" arrives with this independent emotional drama that has a similar sense for the off-beat that his previous outing had. This, however, doesn't impress as much. Oliver (Ewan McGregor)… More
  Writer/Director Mike Mills' long awaited follow-up to his 2005 film "Thumbsucker" arrives with this independent emotional drama that has a similar sense for the off-beat that his previous outing had. This, however, doesn't impress as much. Oliver (Ewan McGregor) is a graphic artist that is coming to terms with the death of his father Hal (Christopher Plummer). In his time of grief, he embarks on a romance with French actress Anna (Melanie Laurent), while remembering the past of his parents' failed marriage and when his father revealed that he was gay, and dying of cancer. I can't honestly say that I was entirely drawn to this film upon it's release. I only checked it out for Plummer's Oscar winning supporting turn, of which, he made history by being the oldest actor to ever be awarded at age 82. The performances of McGregor, Laurent and Goran Visnjic are to be commended also though but Plummer does get the juicier role. As for the material itself, it was peppered with an original quirkiness that managed to just about see it through some periodic lulls. It was too slow for me but I have a suspicion that this might serve better on a second viewing. During my initial sitting though, I found it to waver and lose it's momentum after the hour mark. Ultimately, it's the zesty characters of Plummer and Laurent that keep the film ticking over and despite a good effort from McGregor, his character is a bit too dull and depressing to fully relate to. As it's him that drives the story, the journey becomes somewhat repetitive. A semi-autobiographical and highly personal story from Mike Mills that has an obvious air of catharsis. It just doesn't allow you to engage, as well as it should.

• Carlos M

  
  This is certainly not a comedy, with a sense of humor that is not efficient, and I found it sad and depressive, contrary to those who felt it sweet and optimistic. The acting is good, but the characters seem shallow in their artificial indie quirkiness and the dialogue is pretty much… More
  This is certainly not a comedy, with a sense of humor that is not efficient, and I found it sad and depressive, contrary to those who felt it sweet and optimistic. The acting is good, but the characters seem shallow in their artificial indie quirkiness and the dialogue is pretty much annoying.

• Kase V

  
  'Beginners' is a film that thrives off the power of its performances as well as its attempt to be unique. It earns points for its originality, but the film ultimately seems to drag on until the viewer loses interest. It starts well and interestingly enough, but it eventually… More
  'Beginners' is a film that thrives off the power of its performances as well as its attempt to be unique. It earns points for its originality, but the film ultimately seems to drag on until the viewer loses interest. It starts well and interestingly enough, but it eventually become its own enemy as the entertainment value steadily drops.

• Alice S

  
  Very beautiful in its treatment of love, death, courage, existential angst. The repetitious history of the family, the city, the world, as well as the flashback humor, is like a subtler version of The Tree of Life. Every character has cute little quirks: Hal talking to inanimate… More
  Very beautiful in its treatment of love, death, courage, existential angst. The repetitious history of the family, the city, the world, as well as the flashback humor, is like a subtler version of The Tree of Life. Every character has cute little quirks: Hal talking to inanimate objects and replying for them; Georgia "killing" the young Oliver in various ways and "interacting" with the artwork; Oliver's funny/sad drawings; Arthur, the dog's nonverbal dialogue: Arthur: Sheâ(TM)s unlike any girl Iâ(TM)ve met. Oliver: Someone flashy walks into your life and youâ(TM)re just gonna fall for it. Arthur: Are we married yet? Oliver: No, it doesnâ(TM)t work like that. There are other steps. Itâ(TM)s complicated. Arthur: I hope this feeling lasts. Oliver: Yeah, me too. The ending is too easy and open though. Oliver and Anna still have issues far deeper than just "commitment anxiety." They come back into each others' lives, and the audience is supposed to be happy that they're trying again despite not knowing what the fuck they're going to do.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Mélanie Laurent, Goran Visnjic, Mary Page Keller, Jodi Long, Kai Lennox, China Shavers, Jose Yenque, Brian Nolan, Melissa Tang Director: Mike Mills Summary: Based on indie director Mike Mills's relationship with his father, this… More
  Cast: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Mélanie Laurent, Goran Visnjic, Mary Page Keller, Jodi Long, Kai Lennox, China Shavers, Jose Yenque, Brian Nolan, Melissa Tang Director: Mike Mills Summary: Based on indie director Mike Mills's relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He's gay. Both inspired and confused by his father's determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent). My Thoughts: "I really loved the film. It's charming, honest, and heartfelt. The father starts really living after his wife passes and oddly enough Oliver starts truly living after his father passes. Both letting themselves be honest and finding love in the midst of it. The story is at times depressing, humorous, and beautiful. I did enjoy the father and son story more then Oliver and Anna's. It just seemed to drag a bit. Christopher Plummer stole every scene he was in, as did the Jack Russell Terrier. In all the movie is definitely one I would recommed, and one I would like to see again."

• danny d

  
  an excellent script in terms of dialogue and some excellent direction choices make this a solid watch, but the film left the story for the sake of agenda in some glaring ways that detracted from the reality of what the characters were going through in real time and how it relates to… More
  an excellent script in terms of dialogue and some excellent direction choices make this a solid watch, but the film left the story for the sake of agenda in some glaring ways that detracted from the reality of what the characters were going through in real time and how it relates to people in similar situations. life doesnt pause to push agendas in such a forced way, and the film suffered for it a few times. overall a good film with some wonderful performances and a wonderful romance involving mcgregor and laurent.

• Sanjaya &

  
  To be honest and tell you the truth, there's nothing special about this movie that tells a story of a nearly 40 years old man who's struggling in his relationship after the death of his father, who turns out to be gay just after his mother died.. Even that, I must say the… More
  To be honest and tell you the truth, there's nothing special about this movie that tells a story of a nearly 40 years old man who's struggling in his relationship after the death of his father, who turns out to be gay just after his mother died.. Even that, I must say the cast did a really good job.. I should given the title 'The Forgotten One' to Ewan McGregor as he is one of the finest actor in his age in Britannia land but he never took a credit for his performance.. For Melanie Laurent, I'm just surprised yet happy at the same time when I know she starred in this movie.. Since I first saw her performance in 'Inglorious Basterds' I know that I have fall for her, and just as in that movie Melanie once again prove me that I'm right to fall for her as I can say she could be the next Audrey Tautou in Hollywood.. While for Christopher Plummer, well what more can I say? He is the star of this movie, even though the story of this movie is about his son, with his (should I say it) crazy performance as a gay-man-instead-a-grandfather-should-be.. Well I just want to congratulate Plummer as his performance in this movie will grant him a lot of awards, especially the biggest one : Academy Awards.. Last word, it just an ordinary movie with a nothing special story but a great performance from the cast..

• Sam B

  
  Partway through watching 'Beginners,' I was reminded heavily of 'Garden State', an association that I can't break. Both films are charming indie romance/comedies that wishes to impart broad, loaded thoughts on life and love, both are the textbook definition of… More
  Partway through watching 'Beginners,' I was reminded heavily of 'Garden State', an association that I can't break. Both films are charming indie romance/comedies that wishes to impart broad, loaded thoughts on life and love, both are the textbook definition of 'quirky' and both feature a generally melancholy tone with an equally melancholy main character to boot. In addition, both stories are driven by a girl who suddenly comes into their lives and changes their perspectives. The one new thing 'Beginners' adds to the mix is the interesting dynamic of a newly openly gay father, played fantastically by Christopher Plummer, who had a great 2011 considering both this film and 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.' And the movie is very enjoyable and deep. On the other hand, while the script is sharp and the characters are generally likable, I can't help but feeling let down by the fact that the movie thinks it is so fresh, and wants to be fresh so badly, but ended up being the first case I've come across since Garden State where the overabundance of quirk and the purposefully enigmatic philosophical ruminations dampened the appeal for me. Maybe I'm simply not the kind of person that this movie will resonate with (and I bet it resonates with A LOT of people). I, however, can only love these similar quirky indie comedies for so long before I begin to get a bit weary. If you aren't feeling that way, this film is highly recommended. But what else can I say? It may be called "Beginners," but, as smart as it is, I feel like I've been watching it for years.

• Everett J

  
  This is why I try to watch all the movies that are nominated for awards. Because I want to know if the movies nominated are great or not. "Beginners" is up for a bunch of spirit movie awards, which recognizes the best in Independent movies. Well, if this is among the… More
  This is why I try to watch all the movies that are nominated for awards. Because I want to know if the movies nominated are great or not. "Beginners" is up for a bunch of spirit movie awards, which recognizes the best in Independent movies. Well, if this is among the best, then this was one of the worst years ever for Independent films. This movie is slow, boring, quasi depressing, and only has one good performance(Christopher Plummer who is also up for a Golden Globe). The movie is about Oliver(Ewan McGregor) who is trying to forge a new relationship with an eccentric woman named Anna(Melanie Laurent). The relationship brings back memories of his father who after 44 years of marriage came out of the closet(months after his wife died). Once he came out he lived a full, gay(very gay) life. He would years later pass away from cancer, but Oliver uses the memories to help find peace. It's a very interesting concept, but the execution is just poorly done. Christopher Plummer plays the 75 year old father, and he is great. He's funny, charming, and owns every scene he's in. It's when the movie focuses on Oliver and Anna, that it falls apart. This is a dramady, but needed more comedy to balance it out. Watch at your own risk, you make like it. Or you may be like me and just happy when it's over.

• Greg S

  
  Middle aged cartoonist Oliver sabotages his relationships, but adjusts his priorities when his 75-year old dad announces he's gay, takes a younger lover, and then is diagnosed with cancer. With its quiet old-timey jazz score and gentle breaking of the fourth wall (a Jack Russell… More
  Middle aged cartoonist Oliver sabotages his relationships, but adjusts his priorities when his 75-year old dad announces he's gay, takes a younger lover, and then is diagnosed with cancer. With its quiet old-timey jazz score and gentle breaking of the fourth wall (a Jack Russell terrier commenting on the action via subtitles), Mike Mills' sophomore feature brings to mind late 70s/early 80s Woody Allen, though with more melancholy and less funny.

• Rubia Carolina .

  
  A "boy meets girl" indie. Quite charming, lovely couple, but not great. Hal: Well let's say... let's say since you were little, and you've always dreamed of someday getting a lion. And you wait, and you wait, and you wait, and you wait and the lion… More
  A "boy meets girl" indie. Quite charming, lovely couple, but not great. Hal: Well let's say... let's say since you were little, and you've always dreamed of someday getting a lion. And you wait, and you wait, and you wait, and you wait and the lion doesn't come. Then along comes a giraffe. You can be alone, or you can be with the giraffe. Oliver: I'd wait for the lion.

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  As I've stated times before, I'm not a big fan of using the word "cute"Â? when it comes to describing films but I cannot accurately review Beginners without employing it. Mike Mills' semi-autobiographical first feature is sweet and poignant. Christopher… More
  As I've stated times before, I'm not a big fan of using the word "cute"Â? when it comes to describing films but I cannot accurately review Beginners without employing it. Mike Mills' semi-autobiographical first feature is sweet and poignant. Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor share great chemistry as father and son; their relationship is the core of the film and the most emotionally rewarding. French actress MÃ (C)lanie Laurent (Inglourious Basterds) and Goran Visnjic give them good support. However, the brightest star in the film is the extraordinary writing by Mills, an inventive, Oscar-worthy script that's been earning accolades throughout the awards season.

• Tim S

  
  My favorite movie of the year so far is a beautifully depressing look at life and love. Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer give amazing performances in a funny, well acted and well written film by Mike Mills. I love the way the film was shot and edited together and what could have… More
  My favorite movie of the year so far is a beautifully depressing look at life and love. Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer give amazing performances in a funny, well acted and well written film by Mike Mills. I love the way the film was shot and edited together and what could have turned out to be yet another hipster view of life turns out to be an entertaining joy ride of the ups and downs of life. I can't say enough about the movie. It stays with you and that is more than I can say about most of the movies I have seen this year.

• Tyler C

  
  Stunningly original in its style, Beginners is a melancholic, but at the same time very sweet dramedy poised for Oscar noms for Christopher Plummer and its amazing screenplay!

• Josh M

  
  Beginners is a touching, low key yet original film, buoyed by a quirky script, deep heartfelt performances and real chemistry from lead couple Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent,. The cherry on top is an impeccable, underplayed and dignified performance from acting legend Christopher… More
  Beginners is a touching, low key yet original film, buoyed by a quirky script, deep heartfelt performances and real chemistry from lead couple Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent,. The cherry on top is an impeccable, underplayed and dignified performance from acting legend Christopher Plummer. While most filmmakers deny their films are autobiographical, even when it's blatant, writer director Mike Mills makes no bones about this being his own story: The story revolves around Oliver, a emotionally repressed man who's pushing forty. Oliver's 75 year old dad comes out as a gay man after his mother dies, and then proceeds to die of cancer himself. These devastating events break the ground for Oliver to change his ways and open up to a relationship. The film goes back and forth in time, including Oliver's childhood, yet it's never confusing. The troubled marriage between a gay man and a frustrated wife, who has apparently thrown her life away on this arrangement is portrayed to perfection,- yet always from the point of view of the kid, the parents are never seen together. Every scene is perfectly placed and economical, and though some of the scenes suffer from terminal quirkiness and cutesy-poo situations (there's a subtitled yet insightful dog here), they are presented in such a gentle and unforced way, I bought in completely. The balance between humor and pathos is perfect, and though Beginners has a predominantly mournful and sad tone, it contains most of the qualities of the best comedies. There are many affecting and emotional moments, and this film is the epitome of a life affirming experience. Among them: the supportive group of elderly gay men that Dad Hal finds at the end of his life, the complicated relationship between the son and his father's gay lover (Goran Visjnic) that culminates in one of the most affecting screen hugs I've ever seen, and Melanie Laurent's vulnerable and quiet beauty. I'd like to call it a classic, or a masterpiece, but it's so understated and quiet, that seems to be screaming too loud. Beginners is very, very good and is worth spending every second of the one hour and forty two minutes.

• Raymond W

  
  Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, and Melanie Laurent give really fantastic performances in this unusual film (based on the director's own life) about a man who's father comes out as gay months before his death, and the things that come afterwards that bring back memories… More
  Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, and Melanie Laurent give really fantastic performances in this unusual film (based on the director's own life) about a man who's father comes out as gay months before his death, and the things that come afterwards that bring back memories of his father. Beginners is a candid, funny, and sad but deep look at modern romance.

• Jonathan H

  
  Beginners is a great film that strongly argues that Mike Mills is not only an up-and-coming director, but an ascending auteur. This film will not satisfy a lot of viewers, as evidenced by the comments I've read. First, here's what it will not do: it will not feed you a… More
  Beginners is a great film that strongly argues that Mike Mills is not only an up-and-coming director, but an ascending auteur. This film will not satisfy a lot of viewers, as evidenced by the comments I've read. First, here's what it will not do: it will not feed you a linear story with a single, simple plot. The beauty of this film is in its complexity, which faithfully reflects the dynamics of real life--indeed, this is one of the finest pieces of realism you'll see this year. There are flashbacks. There is a sophisticated use of lighting, cross-cutting, and hue manipulation that is intended to suggest mood (many films would rely on dialogue to do the trick; here, it merely compliments the visual language). There is even a brief moment in which solid colors flash on the screen, and we occasionally visit the protagonist's revealing sketches. There is a message in all of this that some will not appreciate. Several sub-plots are impressively woven together: the son's difficulty in maintaining a relationship, the girlfriend's own hesitation to commit to one place and one person, the mother's endurance of a marriage that worked on only one level, the father's attempts to find purpose in the twilight of his life, and his boyfriend's insecurities about being gay. That's a lot to cram into one story, but it works remarkably well. In the end, this film successfully demonstrates that, try as we may, when it comes to understanding life's many mysteries and obstacles, all of us, regardless of age, are beginners.

• Manu G

  
  A young man is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer, and that he has a young male lover. Good film. Great performances by Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer. Very enriching story with lots to offer. It's 2003. Thirty-eight year… More
  A young man is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer, and that he has a young male lover. Good film. Great performances by Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer. Very enriching story with lots to offer. It's 2003. Thirty-eight year old graphic artist Oliver Fields has just lost his father Hal Fields to cancer, after Oliver's mother Georgia Fields passed away five years earlier. Oliver is naturally a sullen man due to his growing up relationship with his parents (his mother who had a unique view on life) and watching his parents' cordial but somewhat distant relationship with each other, but is more so now because of his personal family loss. Oliver embarks on a relationship with Anna, a French actress. Oliver is hoping that his re-energized relationship with Hal following Georgia's death and Hal's new outlook on life during that time will show Oliver how to act in a loving relationship. After Georgia's death, Hal came out of the closet and began to live with a joie de vivre that did not exist before, which included an open relationship with a much younger man named Andy. Oliver's relationship with Anna has other obstacles, including Anna's own vagabond lifestyle and Oliver needing to take care of who was originally Hal's very needy Jack Russell terrier, Arthur.

• Emile T

  
  Charming and honest dramatic comedy thay portrays love through the eyes various generations. At first sight, the film would need a bit more structure, but in the end, it manages to be a smart and touching drawing of something that isn't always so simple and that, depending on… More
  Charming and honest dramatic comedy thay portrays love through the eyes various generations. At first sight, the film would need a bit more structure, but in the end, it manages to be a smart and touching drawing of something that isn't always so simple and that, depending on everyone of us, should be taken more lightly... at least at the beginning.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"Well, let's say that since you were little, you always dreamed of getting a lion. And you wait, and you wait, and you wait, and you wait but the lion doesn't come. And along comes a giraffe. You can be alone, or you can be with the giraffe."</i> A… More
  <i>"Well, let's say that since you were little, you always dreamed of getting a lion. And you wait, and you wait, and you wait, and you wait but the lion doesn't come. And along comes a giraffe. You can be alone, or you can be with the giraffe."</i> A young man is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer, and that he has a young male lover. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> In Beginners, everyone is a beginner at the common challenge in the film and in life, love (that covers even the cutest dog to appear outside a Disney film). The easy one is that Dad, Hal (Christopher Plummer), is 75 and just coming out as gay while also discovering he has terminal cancer. The more difficult challenge is son Oliver (Ewan McGregor) beginning a 3 year course of discovering and loving this father, who had been away too much during Oliver's youth. Meanwhile he has discovered a young woman, Anna (Melanie Laurent), with whom he has a satisfying sexual relationship but a slowly-developing loving one to which he seems to apply his recently discovered formula from his father's exciting new life. But Anna and Oliver's is a vulnerable relationship. He says in his narration, "I don't really believe that it's gonna work, so I make sure that it doesn't work." In other words, everyone is in the beginning stages of knowing and loving, with the usual disappointments and joys that flesh is heir to, be it parental, homo or heterosexual. Playing throughout is a sadness motif especially as graphic designer Oliver sketches for potential clients several scenarios about the subject. Anna herself introduced the theme when she asked upon first meeting him, "Why are you at a party if you're sad?" Mike Mills's directing pace is slow, his editing carefully cutting between past and present, as if it were the mind carrying disparate thoughts it never has to put in order. Yet each piece of the love motif coheres, even the omnipresence of the dog, Arthur, who watches and magically responds in subtitles. Arthur is the only one in the film who gets and gives unconditional love, perhaps a signal that the glorious human adventure of love is more complicated than man's best friend could handle.

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