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| STAR RATINGS EXPLAINED |
| Unmissable |
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| Tragic |
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| FILM DETAILS | Certificate
15 | | Cast
Adrien Brody
Christina Hendricks
Marcia Gay Harden
James Caan. | | Directors
Tony Kaye. | | Screenwriters
Carl Lund. | | Running Time
98 minutes |
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Detachment
Aka English Literature X
Plot
Troubled substitute teacher Henry Barthes (Brody) is brought in to a failing school to teach English. Having previously managed to maintain his distance, here he forms a genuine connection with both the pupils and the staff, who include a love interest (Hendricks) and a cynical mentor (Caan). Review
Adrien Brody stars as a despairing substitute teacher who nevertheless connects with kids at a failing school. His resolve to keep his distance falters amid all the unhappy people desperate for a lifeline. American History X director Tony Kaye eschews the ‘inspired teacher making a difference’ cliché, and the good news here is that Brody and the ensemble are tremendous (especially James Caan, superb as the cynical guidance counsellor). But this is bleak, the social indictment and nasty incident slathered on with a heavy hand and pretentious monologuing.
Verdict
Incredible performances from the cast, but Detachment is perhaps just too pretentiously depressing for its own good.
Reviewed by Angie Errigo
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