September 2, 2009
When you think of Sam Mendes’ films (Road to Perdition, Revolutionary Road), you might be forgiven for thinking that he only makes gloomy ones. Yet his latest offering, Away We Go is a real departure, full of optimism and humour. The film tells the story of Burt and Verona who are expecting their first child and decide to travel around North America to find the ideal place to start their family. The various friends and family members they meet along the way lead to a series of both hilarious and poignant encounters.
The film has a real indie-feel to it; the stars are virtually unknown (save for a brilliant performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal), the story very much character-led, the budget (by American standards at least) modest. It is the characters, Burt and Verona, who carry most of the action, and the performances, by John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph respectively, are outstanding. Perhaps due to their relatively obscure status, the two leads bring a subtlety and authenticity to the roles that is truly refreshing.
Gyllenhaal’s performance as LN, a new-age mother of two, is truly inspired. At one point she rejects the gift of a buggy from Burt, exclaiming “I LOVE my babies. Why would I want to PUSH them away from me?” Indeed, this exchange is just one in a long line that prompts Burt and Verona to question what kind of parents they’ll be – a question that will resonate with audience members whether or not they are already parents, or have ever contemplated the possibility.
I loved this film – with its mixture of bittersweet, laugh-out-loud humour and tenderness – a true gem.
The film has a real indie-feel to it; the stars are virtually unknown (save for a brilliant performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal), the story very much character-led, the budget (by American standards at least) modest. It is the characters, Burt and Verona, who carry most of the action, and the performances, by John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph respectively, are outstanding. Perhaps due to their relatively obscure status, the two leads bring a subtlety and authenticity to the roles that is truly refreshing.
Gyllenhaal’s performance as LN, a new-age mother of two, is truly inspired. At one point she rejects the gift of a buggy from Burt, exclaiming “I LOVE my babies. Why would I want to PUSH them away from me?” Indeed, this exchange is just one in a long line that prompts Burt and Verona to question what kind of parents they’ll be – a question that will resonate with audience members whether or not they are already parents, or have ever contemplated the possibility.
I loved this film – with its mixture of bittersweet, laugh-out-loud humour and tenderness – a true gem.