Movie Review: Dedication (2007)
Billy Crudup and Mandy Moore Star in an Unconventional Love Story
Feb 7, 2008
“Dedication” is a worthwhile film that features some great writing and acting, but struggles in direction. Particularly strong performances from Billy Crudup and Mandy Moore elevate this movie beyond other independent character dramas.
Billy Crudup and Mandy Moore Have Great Chemistry
While at the local porn theatre watching a film about prostitutes and sailors, Rudy (Tom Wilkinson) and Henry (Billy Crudup) come up with the idea for a children’s novel called “Marty the Beaver”. Despite the expectations of the very anxious and neurotic Henry, the book is picked up by an editor (Bob Balaban), and becomes somewhat of a success. Upon the demise of Rudy, Henry is teamed up with a struggling animator Lucy (Mandy Moore) to fulfill a contractual obligation; a “Marty the Beaver” sequel.
As Lucy struggles with her own neuroses, stemming mostly from her peculiar mother (Dianne Wiest), she reluctantly takes on this task for the promise of a $200,000 payday. It is a challenge for Lucy, as Henrys’ neuroses manifest themselves primarily in cynical defensive commentary in an effort to hurt those around him.
Eventually the two start to appreciate and respect each other as Henry attempts to overcome his own idiosyncrasies, and Lucy makes an effort to get over an old boyfriend (Martin Freeman) who won’t leave her life completely.
Screenwriter David Bromberg Makes a Great Debut
First time screenwriter David Bromberg has crafted a formulaic romantic comedy that defies the very rules it adheres to. The result is refreshing, and surprisingly more tender than the saccharine romances we’ve become accustomed to. There is a balancing act in constructing a film that asks the question “how horrible can a human being be, and still be loved?”, and Bromberg succeeds in the balance. There is a humanity and sorrow in Henry, even while he is saying and doing horrible things to everyone around him.
Justin Theroux Struggles as a First Time Director
Actor turned director Justin Theroux (American Psycho, Six Feet Under) struggles tonally with this film. The unnecessary avid farts that attempt to make the film edgy actually detract from the story. He also doesn’t get a solid handle on shifting between comedy and drama, and instead focuses on stylization, which in turn distances the audience from a possible emotional catharsis. Theroux has a handle on the material, but struggles with execution.
Billy Crudup Delivers Another Layered Performance
Crudup is in typically fine form. He excels with neurotic and unlikable characters, and brings them the depth and humanity necessary to make them work on screen. This film could have very well faltered with a lesser actor in this role. Mandy Moore has again proven that she can carry her weight in serious adult roles. She brings life to her character, and strength to a woman who ultimately falls for a naturally abusive man.
Great Writing and Acting Make This Worth a Watch
Despite the issues with Theroux’s amateurish direction, "Dedication" works. The performances and particularly strong writing make this a film worth watching. It joins some good independent films of late like "Spiral" and "Charlie Bartlett", and shines over the bad (The Air I Breathe).
