Film: The Extra Man
Cast includes: Kevin Kline (A Fish Called Wanda), Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine), John C. Reilly (Cyrus)
Director: Chari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini (American Splendor),
Genre: Comedy (2010)
In brief: Louis, a young English teacher at Princeton North Prep, is always trying to find himself in the pages of novels by authors like Fitzgerald and Henry James. But it’s not working out all that well. After the “brazier incident”… it was perfectly innocent, of course… Louis finds himself shortlisted for a staff cut. It’s probably for the best. Now Louis can try to find himself in New York City. An ad in the paper leads him to 232 East 91st Street… no calls before noon… to see about sharing an apartment with the flamboyant Henry Harrison. After an interview, Henry offers Louis the room… “We’re obviously compatible. You’re the only person who’s inquired who speaks English. Tell me your name again!”
Henry promises Louis, “I can teach you about New York. I can advance you socially.” Henry knows how to live in style, despite being nearly penniless. Henry is an extra man. Since women almost always outlive men, there’s always a need for an extra man. What Henry offers is the “complete package… wit, intelligence and joie de vive.” He tells Louis he’s more than just extra… he’s essential. That’s his story and he’s sticking to it! He’s a real man about town… opera for free… no problem. Louis is clearly in need of some mentoring, and Henry is in need of a new protégée… ever since Brad moved out and Gershon got an attitude. With tutoring from a pro, perhaps Louis can become an extra man, too.
The parts of this movie are better than the whole, but the parts are quite wonderful. The two main characters are polar opposites in most ways but they fit together beautifully. Kevin Kline is wonderful as the formerly wealthy, flamboyant gigolo… minus the fornication… his views are “decidedly to the right of the Pope.” The gentle Louis is a charming counterpoint, with many wacky issues I haven’t even attempted to include here. There are some off-key notes, for sure, but the good parts… especially the parts with Kevin Kline… are worth the ticket price… if you enjoy screwball comedy with some operatic touches. In fact the scene when Henry tries to transfer his fleas to a dog is worth the ticket price. In the end, Henry’s ticket in life isn’t earned by his ability to fool any one… God knows he tries… but in his ability to become an essential man.
2 popped kernels
Loved Kevin Kline, of course... loved the off-beat humor... didn’t love every kernel
Popcorn Profile
Primary Audience: Grown-ups
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Art house
Mood: Both upbeat and somber
Tempo: In no hurry
Visual Style: Unvarnished realism
Character Development: Engaging
Language: Irreverent
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
