THE EXTRA MAN may be one of the slowest starting movies that you have ever watched. For at least a half-hour its two lead characters are somewhat annoying and/or obnoxious. But then something unexpected happens: The setting rises up to match the characters. The viewer begins to see the two "weirdos" in a different light. Where once you had odd-balls you now have a threesome (a late addition) who serve a purpose and draw strength from one another.
Natalie Portman's character, upon introduction, is guessed to be a love interest that will transform, correct our young protagonist. But that is too easy and not what THE EXTRA MAN is about. Rather, NP's presence shows contrast yet connection to a stranger, alternate world.
A comparison can be made to John Irvings books and characters, though therein the characters seem out-of-place in their setting and almost apologetic for their bizarreness. Here, the movie ends with absolutely no apologies and in the only place it could end, the milieu of NYC.
The major fault of the film is that it may appear to be offered as a comedy. There are chuckles but THE EXTRA MAN is not particularly funny. The film would have been better presented as a drama. THE EXTRA MAN is most surely not mainstream material and one of those projects that is lucky to have been made.
I'm still on the fence with Paul Dano. I wouldn't flunk his performance but some one more earnest; e.g., a young Andrew McCarthy, would have been a better fit.
Natalie Portman's character, upon introduction, is guessed to be a love interest that will transform, correct our young protagonist. But that is too easy and not what THE EXTRA MAN is about. Rather, NP's presence shows contrast yet connection to a stranger, alternate world.
A comparison can be made to John Irvings books and characters, though therein the characters seem out-of-place in their setting and almost apologetic for their bizarreness. Here, the movie ends with absolutely no apologies and in the only place it could end, the milieu of NYC.
The major fault of the film is that it may appear to be offered as a comedy. There are chuckles but THE EXTRA MAN is not particularly funny. The film would have been better presented as a drama. THE EXTRA MAN is most surely not mainstream material and one of those projects that is lucky to have been made.
I'm still on the fence with Paul Dano. I wouldn't flunk his performance but some one more earnest; e.g., a young Andrew McCarthy, would have been a better fit.