Arlen Faber (2009)

Director:

John Hindman

Writer:

John Hindman (screenplay)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

He wrote the book on life's big questions. But the truth is he hasn't got a clue.

Plot:

A reclusive author of spiritual books, is pursued for advice by a single mother and a man fresh out of rehab.

Plot Keywords:

Character Name In Title

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Jeff Daniels	...	Arlen Faber
Lauren Graham	...	Elizabeth
Lou Taylor Pucci	...	Kris Lucas
Olivia Thirlby	...	Anne
Kat Dennings	...	Dahlia
Nora Dunn	...	Terry Fraser
Tony Hale	...	Mailman
Annie Corley	...	Mrs. Gold
Max Antisell	...	Alex
Thomas Roy	...	Riley Lucas
Peter Patrikios	...	Ross
Greg Wood	...	Businessman #1
Richard G. Lyntton	...	Journalist
Richard Barlow	...	Paul
Sally Mercer	...	Customer

Also Known As:

The Answer Man (USA) (new title)
The Dream of the Romans (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

USA:95 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Company:

Messick Films

Goofs:

Audio/visual unsynchronized: After Arlen puts the 45 record on, he jostles the stereo when he has his first back spasm. The needle clearly bounces off of the record but the music continues playing. After he falls to the floor, a close up of the record still playing is shown.

Quotes:

Arlen Faber: [when asked if he is Arlen Faber] No. And neither is Arlen Faber.

Enjoyable and different

I usually don't write reviews but rather I usually read them to see if the film is something I truly want to watch or not. But given the one, and only, poor review on here so far I thought I'd add some perspective.

This film centers around Arlen, who is a irritable man who once authored an existential book but now lives in recluse and away from prying eyes. His character I find fully believable because there are many people who write a book or several books but don't want the fame handed them, they just simply wanted to write a good story or get their thoughts out, the fame was mere collateral damage. This is how Jeff Daniel's character feels. He dislikes people and attention in general. Partially due to not wanting the fame but partially due to having his own personal demons and issues. Along comes a struggling chiropractor who is trying to get her own business going and also a struggling recovering alcoholic who is trying to keep his small bookstore open. Their paths converge in various ways, of which I won't tell to leave some mystery to the reader. The chiropractor (Lauren Graham) eventually becomes Arlen's romantic interest. But it is not a simple or easy relationship and I don't feel that Arlen makes a magical unbelievable change as the prior review states. He is at first softened by her professional expertise and out of appreciation seems to let a door open and try to get to know her. I'd say him liking her son, and kids in general it seems, is part of his character. I would also say his character opens up to the bookstore owner (Pucci) because he is honest and persistent, things Arlen admires. Everyone has their demons and flaws in this movie which I feel add a certain honesty to the film. It didn't feel particularly flawed or predictable. Although there are a couple turn points and their consequences that felt predictable but in all I'd say it wasn't that predictable because of the characters not being formulaic. I thought the pacing was in general nice and enjoyable. If you want a dark comedy that becomes a bit lighter and romantic then this is for you. I'd say its a bit smarter and more enjoyable then most of the made for rudimentary teens romantic teens out there. Take this review at what you will but please read this and the prior for a more balanced view point of the film.