Cyrus (movie)

Viewed: 03.07.2012

Running time: About 90 minutes

Price of view: Free (I got it from the LIBRARY!!!)

Would I have paid to watch it?: Yes, surprisingly. Though maybe not too much.

Synopsis: John (John C. Reilly) has been divorced for over 7 years and sees no prospects in life, specifically in his love life. After deciding to go to a party at the request of his ex-wife, John meets his love interest: Molly (Marisa Tomei). After they begin seeing each other, John is introduced to Cyrus (Jonah Hill)--Molly's unusually dependent son who has lived with her his entire life (although he is 21). Throughout the rest of the film, John, Molly, and Cyrus learn to adapt in having new people in their lives and the change involved in the process.

Highs: The style of the film. The ad-lib, "mumble" style dialogue. Marisa Tomei's character. "Uncomfortable" style of humor done well. Well written characterization, including female characters.

Lows: No minorities at all. One noticeable loose plot thread. Lack of real direction at times.

Undecided: The choice of John C. Reilly as the main character.

Views: I was pleasantly surprised with this film. Although I remember hearing about it in 2010 and wanting to see it, I picked it up assuming it would not be very good. I was wrong. The movie starts out strong and really does not stop until the end. Unfortunately, Cyrus easily draws a split opinion depending on the tastes of the audience. I for one, find favor in the indie-chic style of the film, with its quick, amateurish cuts of the camera and ad-lib dialog reminiscent of early Kevin Smith films and primary focus as a character drama. Others, who may expect more bang for their buck--both in more polished writing and cinematography along with more dynamic plot elements, will definitely hate the film. Critics may cite that the film really goes nowhere, and they would have a legitimate argument in that regard. Bluntly looking upon the film, it defines itself as a staple "couple falls in love, fall out, then reconcile" film that has been done over and over again. No dramatic elements are really taken to differentiate itself from the rest, either, outside of a fight between a man and his potential stepson at a wedding and the healthy relationship between John and his ex-wife.

First and foremost, the film is a character drama that focuses primarily on two aspects: (1)how people cope with new people entering their lives, and (2)increasing one's self-reliance. All three of the main characters fall into examination in the first aspect. John originally finds himself needy, desperate to find someone to help pull his life together. Molly is originally isolated, avoiding romantic advancement due to the complex relationship with her son. The most complicated character in this process, however, is Cyrus. He is threatened by John impeding on his relationship with his mother, and defends himself by trying to covertly drive them apart. The selling point of Cyrus (the character) is his untrustworthy personality. He appears to like John but has quite nefarious intentions planned. Cyrus does not limit his discretion and dishonesty only to John, as he lies to his mother as well. The progression of Cyrus' character throughout the entire film adds more complicated layers: is he being truthful, or does he still have ulterior intentions? The quirks and shortcomings of the other two characters are worked out; John becomes less needy, and--inversely--Molly becomes more open and needful for John (this is mostly seen after Cyrus succeeds in splitting the two apart). However, Cyrus' quirks are never completely resolved. After determining John and Molly are right for each other, Cyrus opens up to John. Interestingly enough, Cyrus still uses his deceit to finally trick John into seeing Molly at the film's conclusion. Has Cyrus developed as a character? Maybe to an extent, in that he is now open to the idea of another man in Molly's life. However, his quick decision to use his methods in a reverse method shows he has not developed in the sense the others have, just less malevolent. Irony in its truest form, honestly.

The second examination in character, the increase in self-reliance, is seen in John and mostly covered in the previous exploration. John originally comes off as very needy and desperate, even making this a selling point of himself at the party with Molly. His fault continues to be prominent as the film progresses, even questioning it himself to his ex-wife and having it exploited by Cyrus. However, as John becomes aware of Cyrus' strategy, he realizes enough is enough and decides to end things with Molly--even after she has expressed her wishes against this. As the film reaches its conclusion, even Cyrus has to convince John to come back. The John from earlier in the film would have never done this, probably staying with Molly regardless what havoc Cyrus brings. This shows a growth of stability and maturity in John and presents an underlying theme in the film.

The film is great, outside of two things with which I still have issue. First, I am undecided how I feel about John C. Reilly being cast as the lead role. I know he is a goofy guy, and a goofy guy is perfect for this part. However, Reilly seems to be more of a sidekick than a goofy protagonist. As the movie went on, Reilly continued to remain convincing; however, I could not help but feel someone else could have done better. It's hard to take the final scenes seriousness with Reilly's trademark squawky voice. Maybe I've watched too many Steve Brule segments. Secondly, a plot point went unresolved. Before the wedding where the climax of the film takes place, John is dependent on his ex-wife for advice with Molly. While this is endearing in showing John and his ex-wife--and ex-spouses in general--can have a decent relationship after a divorce, the ex's fiance shows increasingly irritation with John's presence. This plot point never shows itself again after being established two or three times in the film. A small point to get upset about, of course, but still one that leaves me scratching my head as to why it was included in the film.

Overall a great film that I would watch again.

Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars.