He’s been a solid supporting actor in dozens of movies, including recently: the gym manager in “Burn After Reading” (2008), the father in “Step Brothers” (2008), an alcoholic businessman in “Fun with Dick and Jane” (2005), and a priest in “One Night at McCool’s” (2001)… now in “The Visitor”, Richard Jenkins gets the oscar attention for his great turn in the leading role as a college professor who finds his way in life through some unusual circumstances.
  

Jenkins is Walter, a college professor wandering aimlessly through his job with no motivation or focus… until a clash of cultures when two illegal immigrants from Syria and Senegal are thrust into his life – and through his kindness and new found motivation – his life changes and despite some bittersweet moments, becomes richer in the end.

Jenkins’ oscar nomination for Best Actor is deserved, although with the rest of the talented actors, an unlikely win… but he is very good in this movie as he ranges from the dull and boring to the pissed off and charming.

The supporting cast is good too, including Haaz Sleiman, who is very good as the immigrant who Jenkins later decides to well beyond expectations to help… but ends up teaching Jenkins an important life lesson.

While this story is small and focused on a small group of people and their problems… its very good and very well shot, edited, and written… it never tries to be bigger than itself although it delivers some positive messages about different cultures.  

THE BOTTOM LINE: 

 ”The Visitor” is an upbeat movie about interpersonal relationships and how caring about people really can go a long way to make a difference in their lives and your own… I give it 8.0 out of 10 … the filmmakers should be proud of what they’ve put together. 

 “The Visitor”

(2008) (rated: PG-13 for brief strong language) (1 hr, 44 min)

Starring: Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Jekesai Gurira, Hiam Abbass, Michael Cumpsty, Richard Kind

Director: Thomas McCarthy

Genre: Drama

The Plot: A college professor travels to New York City to attend a conference and finds a young couple living in his apartment.

So what did you think?  Please post a comment!

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“The Visitor” poster courtesy Overture Films

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