Our parents are a product of their times, and we are a product of our parents. In 1955, Hal (Christopher Plummer) married Georgia even though he was gay. He was not about to deal with being openly homosexual. Anyway, his psychiatrist told him it was a psychological problem. Georgia (Mary Page Keller) was told as a child in the 1930's that Jewish girls weren't pretty, at least not in an American way. Their son, Oliver (Ewan McGretor), only one-quarter Jewish and, therefore, not as emotional as his mother, but much more emotional than his Christian father, doesn't believe he'll ever have a lasting relationship. After living with his parents, he doesn't want to repeat their mistakes, and, well, maybe he's just not capable. We'll find out in 'Beginners' if he can take the best of his parents and avoid their mistakes. He has the help of his father's sage Jack Russell Terrier who is a good sounding board for Oliver's thoughts and often gives good advice -- just one of the unexplainable occurrences Oliver experiences. Oliver's in love with Anna, who, as beautiful and adorably quirky as she is, still doesn't make a successful relationship easy.This offbeat tale of family dynamics, social pressures to stay in the closet, cultural/religious stigmas, death and love (in that order) is heartwarming, funny, and revealing.
Beginners
Director / Writer: Mike Mills
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Melanie Laurent, Goran Visnjic, Mary Page Keller, Cosmo
Time: 105 min.
Rating: R
Opening June 10 at the Embarcadero Cinema in San Francisco
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