The Art of Getting By (2011)
Certified: PG
Duration: 84 minutes
Directed by: Gavin Wiesen
Starring: Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Alicia Silverstone, Rita Wilson, Blair Underwood, Elizabeth Reaser, Sam Robards, Michael Angrano, Marcus Carl Franklin, Sasha Spielberg
KRS release
In Gavin Wiesen’s film, Freddie Highmore plays George Zinavoy, a high school senior who lives at his Manhattan home with mother (Rita Wilson) and his stepfather Jack (Sam Robards).
George is a cynical and pessimistic boy who thinks he will disappear from this world without leaving his mark.
Even though he makes life difficult for himself and those around him, he gets the support of Principal Mr Martinson (Blair Underwood) and several teachers played by the likes of Alicia Silverstone, Ann Harada and Jarlath Conroy.
His life takes a turn when he meets Sally (Emma Roberts), a fellow classmate who shares many attitude traits with him. The two also share a common friend in Dustin (Michael Angrano) who is the artistic type. He gives George dating skills but it is he who gets involved with Sally, leaving George feeling even more frustrated.
George is now faced with several calamities and suddenly decides to give his life a kick start. But it might be too late.
The Art of Getting By is one of those movies where all the attention is drawn towards the changes that the protagonist goes through. This is a film about teenage love in New York.
In fact, the film is aimed squarely at a teen audience as it taps into the confusion, apathy and angst that are staple characteristics of these years.
Mr Highmore places his bid into making the transition from cute child actor (Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) to a more adult role. This is still not that film; the “baby fat” is still very much in evidence. However, he brings a likable screen presence which makes us want his character to snap out of the black hole he has dug for himself.
His existential desperation is reminiscent of many other films, but displayed on this young actor, it goes to show how fast youths are making their way into life these days.
When one has to factor in homework with the passivity generated by the notion of inevitable death, one wonders what the purpose of it all actually is. That is what the Art of Getting By’s hero is perplexed by. In fact, Mr Highmore is at his best in those moments when he is most vulnerable.
Ex-Nancy Drew Emma Roberts, as the object of his fixation, is once again cute and deserving of Mr Highmore’s teenage hormonal attention.
In the supporting cast, it was nice to see Alicia Silverstone back on the big screen as an English teacher. Ironically enough, she plays a totally opposite character to her iconic role in Clueless.
Writer-director Mr Wiesen seems to let the camera do all the talking as he coasts along to let the youthful cast take the reins.
It will be interesting to see what he comes up with next, especially if he is given a script that will demand more of him.
Coated with semi-sweet colours and reflecting attitudes, The Art of Getting By is the story of a first love and the many pitfalls that surround it.