MAX ROSE must get distribution. If/when it does, Jerry Lewis will win an Oscar for Best Actor.
If you only know Lewis as the icon rubber-faced "HEY LAAAAADY" comic of films like THE NUTTY PROFESSOR and CINDERFELLA, you are in for a delightful surprise. Even if you loved Jerry in Scorsese's brilliant KING OF COMEDY, you'll still be shocked by the depth and delicacy of his performance in the title role, a man whose life begins to unravel after the death of his beloved wife of 60+ years, Eva -- beautifully played by Clare Bloom.
Lewis has been prepping for his role for more than 3/4 of a century and he lights up the screen. Seeing his work here makes me wish he'd done more than the slapstick comedies that made him an icon. He's a damned fine dramatic actor.
Writer-Director Daniel Noah has crafted a story that is at once tender, heartbreaking, honest, textured and captivating. It is that rarest of things - an actual "movie" with a plot and compelling characters.
Noah allows Jerry to pay subtle homage to his own past without overshadowing the heart, the drama or the honesty of Max's odyssey.
The supporting cast is excellent, notably a group of 80-somethings including Mort Sahl and Rance Howard.
Daniel Noah is a filmmaker to be reckoned with. I hope this film brings him the success he deserves.
If you only know Lewis as the icon rubber-faced "HEY LAAAAADY" comic of films like THE NUTTY PROFESSOR and CINDERFELLA, you are in for a delightful surprise. Even if you loved Jerry in Scorsese's brilliant KING OF COMEDY, you'll still be shocked by the depth and delicacy of his performance in the title role, a man whose life begins to unravel after the death of his beloved wife of 60+ years, Eva -- beautifully played by Clare Bloom.
Lewis has been prepping for his role for more than 3/4 of a century and he lights up the screen. Seeing his work here makes me wish he'd done more than the slapstick comedies that made him an icon. He's a damned fine dramatic actor.
Writer-Director Daniel Noah has crafted a story that is at once tender, heartbreaking, honest, textured and captivating. It is that rarest of things - an actual "movie" with a plot and compelling characters.
Noah allows Jerry to pay subtle homage to his own past without overshadowing the heart, the drama or the honesty of Max's odyssey.
The supporting cast is excellent, notably a group of 80-somethings including Mort Sahl and Rance Howard.
Daniel Noah is a filmmaker to be reckoned with. I hope this film brings him the success he deserves.