Starting Out in the Evening
Leonard Schiller once counted among New York's literary lions, but illness and ten years of writer's block have lowered his profile, almost to the point of obscurity. When Heather Wolfe, an ambitious literature major, asks to interview him for her thesis on his work, her interest forces him to address the issues that he has avoided all these years, and stirs in him feelings he has long forgotten, much to his daughter's consternation.
Insights
Plot Summary
An aging, once-celebrated novelist, Leonard Schiller, is given a new lease on life when a young graduate student, Ariel, approaches him to write his biography. As their professional relationship deepens, Leonard finds himself falling for Ariel, complicating his relationship with his own daughter, Caroline, who is also Ariel's age and has her own complicated romantic life.
Critical Reception
Starting Out in the Evening was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its sensitive portrayal of aging, ambition, and the complexities of relationships. The performances, particularly Frank Langella's, were widely lauded for their nuance and depth. While not a box office success, it garnered critical attention for its thoughtful script and mature themes.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its mature exploration of love and aging.
- Frank Langella's performance as the aging novelist is a standout.
- The film's nuanced look at intergenerational relationships is compelling.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's thoughtful and mature themes, with many highlighting the strong performances and emotional depth. Some viewers found the pacing to be slow, but overall, the film resonated for its honest portrayal of life's later stages.
Awards & Accolades
Frank Langella received nominations for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and the Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Actor.
Fun Fact
Frank Langella was cast in the role of Leonard Schiller before the script was even fully written, as director Andrew Wagner was so impressed with his previous work.
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