Movie Notes: Your Friends And Neighbors

April 28th, 2009

= 4 stars

Starring Catherine Keener, Ben Stiller, Aaron Eckhart
Directed by Neil LaBute

Synopsis

Nerdy, horny drama professor Jerry (Ben Stiller), currently dating writer Terry (Catherine Keener) initiates an affair with Mary (Amy Brenneman), setting off a series of revenge affairs.

The Good

• The antithesis of a romantic comedy — sexual relations are straight up ugly, without any glossy, titillating romantic sheen. This is just the pathetic situation of selfish sex, and the ensuing frustration when one person’s turn on is another’s annoyance. I found all this quite refreshing.
• The most well-defined character the misogynist, egoistical doctor Cary (Jason Patric), always on the make and mumbling macho dirty talk even when he’s with other men, like a young, perverted Brando. Also quite funny is Stiller as a highly sexed dork (yes, he was once genuinely funny). Oh, and don’t forget a chubby, sad, emasculated Aaron Eckhart.
• Keener is tops as Terry, who slides into a lesbian affair after believing Jerry has been unfaithful. Keener plays off the wacky Stiller’s extremely well, and her one scene against Patric in a bookstore, dodging his unwelcome advances, is stunning. I’d dare say this is one of her best roles.
• Kind of a funny running joke / mystery about a painting all the various characters look at that is never shown. Another joke: all the character’s names end with and “ee” vowel sound.

The Bad

• Needless to say, the subject matter under certain circumstances is a real turn off. Lots of abrasive, distasteful characters, uncomfortable moments, and an extreme bluntness. Definitely not for most.
• The ending “surprise” wasn’t all that shocking.

Conclusion

I haven’t made up my mind about writer/director Neil LaBute, but Your Friends And Neighbors earns considerable points in my book. The interaction between strong characters makes up for the distasteful subject matter and meandering plot. Recommended, and I’ll be adding more of LaBute’s trademark sexually frustrated dark comedies to my queue.

IMDB: Your Friends And Neighbors
Wikipedia: Your Friends And Neighbors
Rotten Tomatoes: Your Friends And Neighbors 76%