Movie review: The Words - watch it write now

Spoiler alert.

“But some point you have to choose between life and fiction. The two are very close, but they never actually touch. They are two very, very different things.”

This protagonist’s dialogue pretty much sums up the premise of this well-crafted film, The Words. Weaved into the narrative are several plots and characters that though are distinct, yet they are inevitably tied together for being the creation of this single protagonist.

The opening scene shows Dennis Quaid, starring as writer Clay Hammond, reading aloud from his book The Words to a full auditorium. We are introduced to his character Rory Jansen, played by Bradley Cooper, who is an aspiring writer looking to write America’s next great novel. And in the film you are introduced to his novel’s character, known simply as the old man, and played by the very talented Jeremy Irons.

Within the world of fiction, a contradiction takes place and affects the characters and those around them. The repercussions do not just extend to Jansen or the old man, but affects Hammond in the real world as well, where he is shown shying away from his messy marital situation, and not to mention, being pursued by a young girl at his book launch.

The directors Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal, who also wrote the script, have skilfully showcased their storytelling prowess: every dialogue carries the story forward, while moments of silence and expressions are used to emphasise the inner turmoil within the characters. The conflict within Jansen, in particular, is perfectly captured by just silence on his part. Bradley Cooper’s real life beau, Zoe Saldana, plays his wife in this film. As their marriage goes through a rough patch, it is juxtaposed with Hammond’s own tribulations that we see a few frames earlier.

The Words pays tribute to life and the differing manner in which the three male characters make choices that affect those around them. Particularly noteworthy is Jeremy Irons, who leaves a lasting impression on the viewer’s mind despite his short on screen appearance, and the plot he takes forward. Watch this film for its enigmatic storytelling and the captivating performances of its highly talented cast.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, January 6^th, 2013.

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