Week 11 - Everything Must Go

Forgive me father, for I have only watched one film this week. It was late in the week and I realised that all I had consumed for the past few days was the fourth season of Person of Interest – a show that you primarily stick on in the background but end up restraining yourself from punching yourself in the face over the slight nuances in your favourite character’s speech pattern (I love you, Root, you do you).

The film that I picked out of all of the others on my list this week was Everything Must Go, a film based on the short story “Why Don’t You Dance” by Raymond Carver. It stars will Ferrell as Nick Halsey, a down-on-his-luck salesman whose belongings are cast onto the lawn of his suburban home after his wife changes the locks. The film touches on themes such as depression, addiction and, ultimately, the struggle we all face when we are forced to think of our regrets and failures. I'll warn you though, this ain’t no Anchorman 3.

I love Will Ferrell in a straight role, whether it be a broad rom-com (Stranger Than Fiction) or a bonkers indie (Casa de mi Padre). His commitment to the role, as well as the movie, reflects all of his other projects where he uses his everyman familiarity to connect with his audience. I’m a sucker for a comedy actor in a serious role. Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock – those who can make you cry after making you laugh are always more impressive than those who do the inverse. Compelling someone to take you seriously after spending so long convincing them to do the total opposite is an incredible feat and one that isn’t celebrated enough.

Is it as good as The Colour Purple? No, it obviously isn’t as good as The Colour Purple, but we’re not comparing the two. Everything Must Go is a charming film, co-starring my crush for all seasons Rebecca Hall and a very small part from Glenn “IASIP’s Dennis Reynolds” Howerton, bringing reflection and comic relief respectively. But my favourite part (read that as “the bit that made me do a stealth cry into my t-shirt”) is completely down to Christopher Jordan Wallace who plays Nick’s only friend in the world, Kenny, a stocky kid who just wants to play baseball. He allows Ferrell’s privileged asshole have his pity-party, but knows when it’s time to call a taxi home.

This film would never go on to win awards, but the cinematography, script and acting are just enough to keep Ferrell in my good books. Don’t let Jim Carrey in The Number 23 have paint comedians in the wrong light.

Films of the Week: Everything Must Go