Not all of Run & Jump works; there are moments
which feels somewhat directionless, making for a slightly uneven film. The
inconsistencies of the storytelling are easily forgivable, however, because the
acting in each of the roles is steadfast. Filmmaker Steph Green clearly has a
gift in bringing the best out of her performers, from leads down to the bit
roles, though this only makes the deficiency in other directorial duties more
apparent. When all is said and done, however, this is an impressive debut
feature for the filmmaker.
There is a basic
plot description which sounds much more typical than the film’s approach to the
material, and again thanks are owed to the cast and Green’s direction for
touchingly real performances which allow us to forget about the conventions of
cinematic narratives. Maxine Peake (“Silk”) stars as Irish housewife Vanetia
Casey, a woman struggling to handle the pressures and tasks of running the
family following her husband’s mentally debilitating stroke turns the happy
family of four upside down. In order to help pay for the hospital bills,
Vanetia agrees to let an American doctor named Ted Fielding (Will Forte)
observe her husband’s behavior following the stroke for a case study. This
requires him to move in with the family, essentially becoming an extended
member with the more time he spends as one of them.
Vanetia’s
husband, Conor (Edward MacLiam) may no longer be the man that she fell in love
with, but he is still always a strong presence in the family and household. In
some ways he is appears less mentally developed than their two children, at
least in his maturity. This allows for Vanetia to welcome the intelligent
banter that Ted brings in comparison, and their connection becomes apparent and
understandable through Forte and Peake’s performances without much effort needed
from the actual screenplay.
When all is said
and done, this is exactly the type of film which is meant for independent
cinema. There are chances taken and risks allowed, and sometimes this works
wonderfully. One of these unexpected choices is the straightforward performance
for “Saturday Night Live” cast member, Forte. He grows a beard and pulls off
the best unexpected performance since Bill Murray in Lost and Translation.
The DVD special features
include a making-of featurette with behind the scenes footage and a trailer.
Entertainment Value:
7.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
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