KISS OF DEATH
Julianne Moore plays the mousy singleton in a funny and honest movie
MEDIOCRITY abounds as the movie year starts slowing down. The last few blockbusters of the American summer have been held back for the Christmas holiday, creating an opportunity for audiences who enjoy smaller, independent movies. A typical example is The English
Teacher , in which Julianne Moore plays Linda Sinclair, a high-school teacher in a small town in Pennsylvania. The 45-yearold is well-liked by her students and colleagues but she lives alone and has no friends. Her dedication to her job and her students is admirable, but when she gets home, she is on her own and lonely.
Things change with the arrival of a 20something former student, Jason (Michael Angarano), who has returned from New York where he has failed as a playwright. Linda sees an opportunity for Jason to stage his play at the school. The headmaster and other staff members hate the idea. They want to do the same old show they have done for decades. Even Jason’s father (Greg Kinnear) wants him to switch careers, drop his theatrical ambitions and go to law school.
Linda persuades everyone to go ahead with the play, but once production starts things start to unravel. Linda finds herself embroiled in Jason’s relationship with his father, who seems to be trying to control Jason’s life. She has an unexpected assignation with Jason, realises it is inappropriate and ends it, only to find herself consumed with jealousy when he begins messing about with an actress in the cast. Suddenly her world begins to unravel in ways she never imagined.
The film is filled with great character actors and the irrepressible Nathan Lane adds a tone of sardonic comedy. Director Craig Zisk makes his first major film with a script by Dan and Stacy Chariton.
It’s not exactly a blockbuster, but it is funny and honest, and any movie in which Lane and Moore act together is worth the price of a ticket.