The Art of Being Here

Authors: Ian
Location: New Jersey

“The Art of Being Here"

Directed by: Robert Altman
Screenplay by: Noah Baumbach

Principal Cast:

Annette Bening – Lisa Davis
Jena Malone – Rachel Davis
Emile Hirsch – Ryan Johnson
Alec Baldwin – Sam Berenson
Cloris Leachman – Angela Harris
Jeff Daniels – Todd Davis

Tagline: "Dysfunction is their thing"

Synopsis: In this brutally honest, yet charmingly entertaining, story are Lisa (Annette Bening) and Rachel Davis (Jena Malone). A few years back, Lisa and Rachel’s father, Todd (Jeff Daniels), were separated (and never divorced), leaving Lisa heartbroken and Rachel torn between parents, though she clearly prefers her father to her mother. Lisa has now finally moved on, with a new house, a new job, and a new boyfriend, Sam (Alec Baldwin). In an effort to take her relationship with Sam to the next level and to repair her relationship with Rachel, they embark on a road trip to meet Sam’s family. Along for the ride is Ryan (Emile Hirsch), Rachel’s best guy friend who happens to be slowly falling in love with her. Rachel refused to go without him, so Lisa made room in the car. The fifth and final road tripper is Angela (Cloris Leachman), Rachel’s grandmother, who disagrees with almost everything in her daughter’s life.

What the press would say:

“The Art of Being Here” is, hands down, the sleeper film of the year. It started out as low-key, under the radar project with some big name actors, but once it hit the film festival circuit, they may as well cancel the Oscars this year. “Here” is the critics’ darling of the year, and rightfully so, too. What holds the film together is its bittersweet effect and its ability to make the viewer experience a melting pot of emotions every scene. Annette Bening is spectacular and I really do believe this is the film that’ll win her that Oscar she very much deserves. Surprisingly enough, it is Emile Hirsch that steals the show here. Hirsch’s performance as Malone’s wonderful best friend who is in love with her is heartbreaking. This kid has a remarkable career of himself. Leachman is pitch-perfect as Rachel’s scene-stealing grandmother. Baldwin and Daniels are marvelous as the men of Lisa’s life. I’m surprised Jena Malone didn’t drown in the sea of emotions she puts on display every time she’s on camera. The buzz also continues to grow for Noah Baumbach, who might get the Oscar he was robbed of for “The Squid & The Whale”. This, my friends, is going to clean up come Oscar time and I feel bad for any other Oscar hopeful that was released this year.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actress – Annette Bening
Best Supporting Actor – Emile Hirsch
Best Supporting Actor – Jeff Daniels
Best Supporting Actress – Cloris Leachman
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score