Watched: The Spectacular Now
I’m not sure what it is, but films that feature alcoholism always feel so intimate to me. I got this earlier on in the year with Smashed, and again here. Miles Teller is great in this, but mainly because he plays a void so well - he’s all charm, and no substance, exactly how some functioning alcoholics act.
This diverts your attention to the supporting cast, who are massively to the film’s credit - it’s surprising and gratifying to see Bob Odenkirk play the straight guy for once, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s face speaks volumes, but the accolades with this piece should be reserved for Shailene Woodley, who is heartbreaking to watch. This is her film more than anyone else’s, to the point where she slightly overshadows the natural arc of the story - long after she left the screen, I was wondering about her inner thoughts, when the script seemed more intent on me following the protagonist instead.
This is still a wonderfully sweet film, though, and depicts teenagers in a much less condescending light than Hollywood tends to do. It accepts that kids have much the same issues as adults, and goes from there.