Jeff, Who Lives At Home is a classic independent movie. From the title to the trailer (included below for your enjoyment), it screams, "I am an indie film! Marvel at my whimsy!" Written and directed by the Duplass brothers (indie filmmakers of renown, though I must confess I haven't seen any of their other films) it has the right pedigree. And with a cast comprised of Jason Segel, Ed Helms, Susan Sarandon, and Judy Greer, it is saved from falling into the trap of becoming self-absorbed and too pleased with itself.
Jeff (Segel) is a 30-year old unemployed pothead who lives in his mother's basement. The movie opens with Jeff recording his thoughts about the movie Signs on a tape recorder. As his monologue progresses, I knew he was describing what this movie was eventually going to be about. Which was lovely, because I liked knowing that this movie was going somewhere, unlike some indies that just go nowhere. Jeff's whole life philosophy is built around following signs that the universe throws at him because they will lead him to his destiny. The events of this movie take place in one day (this is also one of my very favorite storytelling devices!), a day that begins with Jeff picking up the phone and hearing the name Kevin, which leads to a series of adventures around town. He runs into his brother, Pat (Helms) who is as different from Jeff as a brother could be, but the two become allies once they discover that Pat's wife, Linda (Greer) might be having an affair and they have to follow her. While this is going on, their mother, Sharon (Sarandon) is dealing with the possibility of a secret admirer at work, and her storyline is probably the most indie-nonsensical bit of the film. But all these disparate elements burgeon into something surprisingly moving and at times suspenseful, as you start to eagerly follow Jeff's quest and see if today might be the day he figures out what his life is all about.
I can't say anything more because the beauty of the movie lies in the way it unfolds and ultimately leaves you with the warm fuzzy feeling of the true indie comedy. Every member of the cast does an impeccable job, blossoming before your very eyes into three-dimensional characters you care for, and anyone who finds it impossible to love Jason Segel is clearly just a psychopath. It took me a while to really get into this movie, but by the time it hit the climax, I was shocked at how sneakily these characters had wormed their way into my heart and refused to budge.
Of course not everyone is going to be receptive to this type of filmmaking, but if anything I've said so far sounds like the kind of thing you're interested in, then find one of the "limited" theatres playing this film. Afterwards I'll join you on the street so we can chase mystical signs from the universe and embrace our destinies.
Jeff (Segel) is a 30-year old unemployed pothead who lives in his mother's basement. The movie opens with Jeff recording his thoughts about the movie Signs on a tape recorder. As his monologue progresses, I knew he was describing what this movie was eventually going to be about. Which was lovely, because I liked knowing that this movie was going somewhere, unlike some indies that just go nowhere. Jeff's whole life philosophy is built around following signs that the universe throws at him because they will lead him to his destiny. The events of this movie take place in one day (this is also one of my very favorite storytelling devices!), a day that begins with Jeff picking up the phone and hearing the name Kevin, which leads to a series of adventures around town. He runs into his brother, Pat (Helms) who is as different from Jeff as a brother could be, but the two become allies once they discover that Pat's wife, Linda (Greer) might be having an affair and they have to follow her. While this is going on, their mother, Sharon (Sarandon) is dealing with the possibility of a secret admirer at work, and her storyline is probably the most indie-nonsensical bit of the film. But all these disparate elements burgeon into something surprisingly moving and at times suspenseful, as you start to eagerly follow Jeff's quest and see if today might be the day he figures out what his life is all about.
I can't say anything more because the beauty of the movie lies in the way it unfolds and ultimately leaves you with the warm fuzzy feeling of the true indie comedy. Every member of the cast does an impeccable job, blossoming before your very eyes into three-dimensional characters you care for, and anyone who finds it impossible to love Jason Segel is clearly just a psychopath. It took me a while to really get into this movie, but by the time it hit the climax, I was shocked at how sneakily these characters had wormed their way into my heart and refused to budge.
Of course not everyone is going to be receptive to this type of filmmaking, but if anything I've said so far sounds like the kind of thing you're interested in, then find one of the "limited" theatres playing this film. Afterwards I'll join you on the street so we can chase mystical signs from the universe and embrace our destinies.
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