Movie Review : How To Be

Author: Izarrudin
Category: Movies
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Sunday
Apr 25,2010

Supermarket clerk and aspiring musician Arthur (Robert Pattinson) is struggling with a self-diagnosed “quarterlife crisis” brought on by emotionally distant parents (Michael Irving and David Mamet regular Rebecca Pidgeon) and a general sense of aimlessness. When he writes a letter explaining his situation to Dr. Levi Ellington (Powell Jones), the Canadian author of self-help book “It’s Not Your Fault,” Arthur is surprised to hear that the doctor plans to make a personal house call to help him out.

Originally just a twee British indie that won a minor prize at the 2008 Slamdance film festival, “How to Be” suddenly became something more when Pattinson turned into an overnight sensation last year with his role in blockbuster vampire romance “Twilight.” Still, the expectations for this movie’s appeal aren’t too high—it’s bypassing theaters for an exclusive On Demand premiere from IFC Festival Direct.

Single-mindedly focused on a young man wallowing in self-imposed depression, “How to Be” plays like a micro-budgeted British “Garden State” minus the toxic narcissism and adorable pixie love interest (there is a cute grade school teacher, but she barely registers). First-time filmmaker Oliver Irving’s heart is in the right place, but he’s crafted a practice piece, not a real movie.

Scenes drag on with no direction or energy, the camera often remains in a fixed position throughout lackluster exchanges of dialogue, resulting in a work that’s as dull and drab visually as it is narratively. Even at only 85 minutes, it’s a chore to endure. Pidgeon, the only performer of note besides Pattinson, is every bit as stylized as she is in Mamet’s films, but her delivery sounds foolish without any legitimately clever one-liners for support. At least she brings something to the role, which is more than can be said for any of the other supporting players.

Fortunately for everyone involved, viewership will likely be limited to Pattinson’s hardcore fans, happy to see a movie simply because he’s in it. His performance is adequate, nothing special but nothing embarrassing and it won’t hurt that the role perfectly fits the introverted, awkward artist persona he’s cultivated in the media.

Fans who love “RPattz” even more than Edward Cullen should be satisfied. They’ll be the only ones.

credits: Hollywood | MetroMix | Yahoo! Movies Singapore

Official Movie Poster
Movie Review : How To Be

Singapore Date: 29th April 2009
Language: English
Running Time: 85 mins
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Tagline: Sometimes we all need a little help
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Jeremy Hardy, Alisa Arnah, Powell Jones, Rebecca Pidgeon
Directed by: Oliver Irving
Company: How To Be Films
Singapore Distributor: Shaw Organisation
iZone Rating:

5/10

Official Website :
How To Be

Movie Trailer