The first thing we must do is write a proper synopsys for the movie, since the movie's creators did not bother to do so: The movie's main character is Bernard, a 49-year-old failed poet now working as a book publisher, who is revisited by his old friend Huey he hasn't seen in 25 years. Huey is just out of a divorce and he needs a place to crash, so he temporarily moves in with Bernard, and reconnects with his daughter he left when she was 10 years old. Lots of sex ensues. (The movie is highly sexual)
Now, the review: I have to say, while this is classified as a comedy, the movie is not funny, nor did it make me smile once. That is NOT to say that the movie is bad, because it is not, it's just not what the category says it is. It is more of an interesting character study that does not try to be funny. The relationship between Huey and Bernard is unlike anything I have seen before, Bernard is a catalyst for Huey's success, in fact, he seems to help others to succeed while he himself remains a failure. Understandably, this bothers him. And the pair forgives so much to each other without it ever having to be brought up, that was an interesting thing about this movie: it does not create drama out of situations where any other movie would do so. So in that way, it is more true to life.
There is an interesting scene at the start of the movie where Huey is gravely out of his element, and this scene has an interesting parallel towards the end of the movie that I appreciated, it was a full circle moment of realization. The movie jumps back and forth between different timelines, but does it in a way that is easy to understand so you can follow the story. The movie is definitely stronger in it's second half and delivers a satisfying ending.
Overall, if you want to watch an introspective movie on a quiet night, Bernard and Huey might just be what you are looking for. It's unusual and balanced, not a bad time at all.
Now, the review: I have to say, while this is classified as a comedy, the movie is not funny, nor did it make me smile once. That is NOT to say that the movie is bad, because it is not, it's just not what the category says it is. It is more of an interesting character study that does not try to be funny. The relationship between Huey and Bernard is unlike anything I have seen before, Bernard is a catalyst for Huey's success, in fact, he seems to help others to succeed while he himself remains a failure. Understandably, this bothers him. And the pair forgives so much to each other without it ever having to be brought up, that was an interesting thing about this movie: it does not create drama out of situations where any other movie would do so. So in that way, it is more true to life.
There is an interesting scene at the start of the movie where Huey is gravely out of his element, and this scene has an interesting parallel towards the end of the movie that I appreciated, it was a full circle moment of realization. The movie jumps back and forth between different timelines, but does it in a way that is easy to understand so you can follow the story. The movie is definitely stronger in it's second half and delivers a satisfying ending.
Overall, if you want to watch an introspective movie on a quiet night, Bernard and Huey might just be what you are looking for. It's unusual and balanced, not a bad time at all.