Numb (2007)

54% of users liked it
(3,131 ratings)

A man who is suddenly without feelings is motivated by a love he isn't quite sure is there in this offbeat independent comedy. Hudson (Matthew Perry) is a screenwriter who has enjoyed a modest success in Hollywood, but one day he suddenly and inexplicably sinks into a strange funk -- he feels… More A man who is suddenly without feelings is motivated by a love he isn't quite sure is there in this offbeat independent comedy. Hudson (Matthew Perry) is a screenwriter who has enjoyed a modest success in Hollywood, but one day he suddenly and inexplicably sinks into a strange funk -- he feels strangely removed from the world around him, as if reality has slipped away and he can't physically or emotionally feel his surroundings. Hudson's writing partner Tom (Kevin Pollock) is more than a bit disturbed by the sudden change in Hudson's demeanor, and on his advice he begins seeing the first of several psychiatrists, most of whom prescribe a dizzying variety of drugs, except for Dr. Blaine (Mary Steenburgen), who is turned on by Hudson's condition and ends up having an affair with him. As Hudson seems to be running out of ways to reconnect with himself, he meets Sarah (Lynn Collins), a beautiful woman who is quite taken with him and decides to introduce him to as many positive and compelling experiences as possible. The first feature-length directorial project for screenwriter Harris Goldberg, Numb received its North American premiere at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Harris Goldberg
Genres: Drama, Comedy

On DVD: May 13, 2008
Studio: Image Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Holly Grigg-Spall, Film4
Numb doesn't work...It's glib, flip, and cheesy as hell.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
I'd be lying if I said I felt any less numb than Hudson by the end of the movie.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...stands out as a refreshingly innovative spin on a contemporary romantic comedy...

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Featured Audience Ratings

Spencer S

After watching this you do in fact become numb, which I'm not sure is the intended point or an after effect from watching Matthew Perry try to stumble through a decent performance.
♥˩ƳИИ &

Matthew Perry, Lynn Collins, Kevin Pollak, Mary Steenburgen, William B. Davis DIRECTED BY: Harris Boldberg Screenwriter Hudson Milbank suffers from acute depersonalization disorder: he is so alienated from his own life that he makes the chronically depressed look perky. Hudson… More
Matthew Perry, Lynn Collins, Kevin Pollak, Mary Steenburgen, William B. Davis DIRECTED BY: Harris Boldberg Screenwriter Hudson Milbank suffers from acute depersonalization disorder: he is so alienated from his own life that he makes the chronically depressed look perky. Hudson lives alone, watches The Golf Channel all day, can't hang on to a relationship, shoplifts in order to get his adrenalin up off the floor, fears that thinking about his dad's death will bring it to pass, loathes his mother, and in general, is as nutty as a peanut farm. Obsessed with the underlying sadness that infuses his wretched existence, Hudson is a man in hell, but he thinks that his long catalog of dismally unsatisfying and mutually self-destructive relationships is over when Sarah stumbles into his life. He knows she can save him. She knows he has to save himself. Together they just may save each other. Here's another one of those odd little films that I love. But it is one of those films that are not going to be for everyone. But these are the films I most enjoy. Why? Because there not your normal Hollywood movie. It's about real life. Matthew Perry is flawless in this movie. He really becomes this character and makes him so believable, which is important considering it is autobiographical of the director/writer. The way this movie is made there are times when the movie feels slow, but in true sight it is just trying to make you one with the character. See and feel things the way he does. Liked Lynn Collins in this a lot. Thought her character was really sweet and quirky. Just what the film needed to bring more relief to the very serious illness this movie's main character is surrounded by.Mary Steenburgen was great in this film as well, and really had me laughing with the restaurant scene. The movie is sad and at the same time inspiring. He never gives up hope on finding a way out of his own personal hell. I find this movie could be relatable for a lot of people. I hope more will see it. Matthew Perry really shows he can be a serious actor after doing the friends series. Also see him in "Birds Of America" if you haven't. He was really great in it as well.
Leigh R

Weird, but very sweet and funny.
Red L

Does depersonalization disorder really exist? Hudson (Matthew Perry) is so depressed that psychoanalysis, drugs or even a girlfriend doesn't help. I have no idea if there is any realism to this disorder, but it is quite original as a movie.
Sol C

This film really took me by surprise. It kind of reminded me of Garden State. Matthew Perry, in my opinion, gives one of his best performances so far, in this film. Perry and Lynn Collins have great on screen chemistry. Collins, I thought was much better here than in Wolverine. Great… More
This film really took me by surprise. It kind of reminded me of Garden State. Matthew Perry, in my opinion, gives one of his best performances so far, in this film. Perry and Lynn Collins have great on screen chemistry. Collins, I thought was much better here than in Wolverine. Great supporting work from Kevin Pollak and Mary Steenburgen.
Matthew A

I missed the first 20 minutes or so, but the starting parts were a bit boring anyway. It got pretty emotional and interesting closer to the end. This movie is about a man who has trouble communicating with people and overall is quite melancholic and doesn't believe in himself.… More
I missed the first 20 minutes or so, but the starting parts were a bit boring anyway. It got pretty emotional and interesting closer to the end. This movie is about a man who has trouble communicating with people and overall is quite melancholic and doesn't believe in himself. I thought Matthew Perry did a very good job portraying that kind of character. Definitely a movie to see at least once.
Leo L

Great movie! Hilarious. Interesting story plot. Matthew Perry's fantastic in this one. This is definitely beyond any sort of roles he has taken on. A must-see! Great music.