Starting Out in the Evening

"Starting Out in the Evening"
Starring: Frank Langella, Lili Taylor, Lauren Ambrose
Grade: B

Frank Langella rarely ever gets his due, sure he was noticed for "Frost Nixon," but he's never been more vulnerable than in this filn. Langella plays aging writer Leonard Schiller. His books are out of print, and he's looking for one accomplished work before he disappears into literary obscurity.

The film is traditional in terms of plot, and character development, but that's what makes it so nuanced. Lauren Ambrose from the series Six Feet Under, plays Heather Wolfe, a young and ambitious woman who is smitten at the thought of writing her graduate thesis on the career and works of Leonard. The two strike up a bond that transcends common cliches. Leonard's daughter Ariel, is played by the underrated Lili Taylor. Ariel has relationship troubles with her father, and can't find a man to commit to her. These three characters are the nucleus of the film, one could argue that without Leonard, there would be no Ariel, without Heather, there would be no Leonard.

The film takes place in the autumn/winter of New York, where the atmosphere caters to the creative minds of writers and their admirers. The film demonstrates a sense of discovery, especially in the way the characters react and talk to each other. Heather and Leonard meet many times to discuss his works, and each time plays like a mild chess match. Leonard at first is guarded and on the defense of Heather's straight to the point questions. A lesser film would have Leonard teaching her life lessons, but this film has it's own tone and structure.

"Staring Out in the Evening" is no masterpiece, but it welcomes its audience with warm and dynamic characters. The film isn't all about Leonard, most of the time Leonard's scenes are followed by scenes of Ariel dealing with her on again off again partner Casey. Ariel and Casey's dynamics are of a different generation, much like Leonard's and Heathers.