Lonesome Jim Film Review

Lonesome Jim is a dark comedy that explores the triumphs and failures in our lives, the ways in which we deal with them, and how they relate to our self-identity.

27 Year old Jim (Casey Afleck) a depressed aspiring writer journeys home to the small town of Goshen, Indiana after utter failure to assimilate and attain success in New York City. Subsequently the film continues to explore Jim's mundane and despondent existence in relation to his overzealous Mother, uncompassionate and distant Father, and melancholy Brother. Throw in a bit of impossible romance with a nurse named Anika (Liv Tyler) and the story unfolds.

The production aspect of the film was amazing; especially because it was shot on a Panasonic DVX-100A Digital Video camera and transferred to film. The Direction, Acting, and Cinematography were all outstanding making the aesthetic of the film very prominent. However the script was very slow-paced with mediocre content and humor, taking away from the vibrant excitement and energy of the visual element.

The story was very bleak and eccentric. Most of the characters were too black or white and seemed to lack depth and motivation, making them unbelievable. The overall plot also lacked depth and was very stereotypical, yet unrelenting in its vigorous endeavor to be complex and thought provoking; to no avail. The premise of Lonesome Jim was very promising, especially combined with the distinctive visual aura created by the filmmakers. With a few simple script revisions this film could have truly been a meaningful work of art; instead of a dry, mediocre piece of Sundance history.