Roger Dodger
3/4
Starring: Campbell Scott, Jesse Eisenberg, Elizabeth Berkley, Jennifer Beals, Isabella Rossellini
Rated R for Sexual Content and Language
In order to appreciate "Roger Dodger," two things are required. First, you have to have a pretty extensive vocabulary. This is a talky movie, and for the lead character, "words are my business." Second, you have to be willing to spend 90 minutes with an arrogant, chauvinistic jerk.
Roger Swanson (Scott) is an advertising executive living in New York City. His boss, Joyce (Rossellini), has just broken off their sexual affair, which leaves him stung (he then goes to a bar and tries to destroy the self-esteem of two women as some sort of revenge). The next day, his nephew Nick (Eisenberg), shows up in his office. Nick had an interview at Columbia University, and wants to hang out with Roger to pick up some tips on how to score with women. Roger takes him on a night on the town and tries to get Nick laid.
Campbell Scott, the son of legendary actor George C. Scott, first came to my attention when I saw "The Dying Gaul." The movie was forgettable, but Scott was not. Then I saw "Roger Dodger," and became an instant fan. This is his movie, and he nails the role.
Roger is not a likable person. In fact, he's a generally repulsive individual that we wish Nick would get away from. But he is a compelling character, and while some of his views are barbaric (in the opening scene, he has a monologue about how the male sex is going to be rendered useless in the near future), they are interesting. Plus, he has a gift with words; many of the things he says are very clever, and his wit is so sharp and lightning fast that it causes whiplash.
Scott is surrounded by an able supporting cast, but this is his show. None of the cast members, which include Jesse Eisenberg in his debut role, Elizabeth Berkley and Jennifer Beals, get lost next to him, but they cede the spolight to Scott.
This is the film debut of Dylan Kidd. He's a fantastic writer, but the film appears to be shot on a handheld camera (budget requirements may have had a hand in this). It look amateurish, and it can be come a little dizzying. Plus, as interesting as the film is, it feels a little padded at times. The final scene is also curious; it can't decide what it wants to do with Roger's character.
Still, for those who are into talky movies about intelligent people (even if they are despicable), this is worth seeing.
Starring: Campbell Scott, Jesse Eisenberg, Elizabeth Berkley, Jennifer Beals, Isabella Rossellini
Rated R for Sexual Content and Language
In order to appreciate "Roger Dodger," two things are required. First, you have to have a pretty extensive vocabulary. This is a talky movie, and for the lead character, "words are my business." Second, you have to be willing to spend 90 minutes with an arrogant, chauvinistic jerk.
Roger Swanson (Scott) is an advertising executive living in New York City. His boss, Joyce (Rossellini), has just broken off their sexual affair, which leaves him stung (he then goes to a bar and tries to destroy the self-esteem of two women as some sort of revenge). The next day, his nephew Nick (Eisenberg), shows up in his office. Nick had an interview at Columbia University, and wants to hang out with Roger to pick up some tips on how to score with women. Roger takes him on a night on the town and tries to get Nick laid.
Campbell Scott, the son of legendary actor George C. Scott, first came to my attention when I saw "The Dying Gaul." The movie was forgettable, but Scott was not. Then I saw "Roger Dodger," and became an instant fan. This is his movie, and he nails the role.
Roger is not a likable person. In fact, he's a generally repulsive individual that we wish Nick would get away from. But he is a compelling character, and while some of his views are barbaric (in the opening scene, he has a monologue about how the male sex is going to be rendered useless in the near future), they are interesting. Plus, he has a gift with words; many of the things he says are very clever, and his wit is so sharp and lightning fast that it causes whiplash.
Scott is surrounded by an able supporting cast, but this is his show. None of the cast members, which include Jesse Eisenberg in his debut role, Elizabeth Berkley and Jennifer Beals, get lost next to him, but they cede the spolight to Scott.
This is the film debut of Dylan Kidd. He's a fantastic writer, but the film appears to be shot on a handheld camera (budget requirements may have had a hand in this). It look amateurish, and it can be come a little dizzying. Plus, as interesting as the film is, it feels a little padded at times. The final scene is also curious; it can't decide what it wants to do with Roger's character.
Still, for those who are into talky movies about intelligent people (even if they are despicable), this is worth seeing.
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