Keeping the Faith (2000)

When Edward Norton begins to make films for the audience, and not to simply amuse himself and his acting cronies, he will be a cinematic force to be reckoned with. Don't get me wrong, his first feature as director, which also has him as star and producer, is an interesting and amusing work. But it's so full of pretension and pomposity at times that we feel the need to rise up from our seats, through down our overpriced nachos and get a leash. Norton just needs to learn how to restrain himself. What's funny or interesting to him does not always evoke the same reaction from us.

The beginning of the film is the hardest to swallow. Norton is an actor, first and foremost, so he's far more concerned with this angle then filmmaking. In many ways, the film is far too typical cinematically. He makes actor's choices, not filmmaker's choices. And his humor, well, it's often so film referential and insider that middle America and, especially, the younger set, just won't get it. Let's face it, this is a film aimed at 34 year olds. Not surprisingly, that is Norton's age as well.

Not that there is anything wrong with that. It's just that Norton wavers between trying to be an actor and trying to be amusing. He wants film geeks to get the film. The oh-so- subtle reference to the now familiar end of "The Graduate" would almost be unnoticeable here is Norton didn't cast Anne Bancroft in a supporting role. Then again, Norton can be ham- handed. When Ben Stiller references "Streetcar Named Desire," Norton has a close-up reaction shot from Eli Wallach. Get it? Okay, maybe that's a subtle one too. Regardless, it doesn't fit. Norton often lets the film riff off referentially where it may. Were just as likely to hear a mention of the end of "West Side Story" as we are to hear someone sing "Jessie's Girl" karaoke style. If you're 20 or, God Forbid, 14, you ain't gonna get this film.

But Norton's story here is pretty interesting. Flowing from the old joke about a "priest and a rabbi," Norton delivers a film that wavers in it's meditation on religion (i.e. meaning of life), work, families, friendship, and romance. It weaves a delicate balance here between thought-provoking, amusing and interesting. Much of this is helped by the overt charm of his triumvirate of leads, including himself, Stiller and Jeanna Elfman (TV's "Dharma."). Watching these wonderful modern actors, especially the crackling chemistry Elfman can elicit from anyone within the frame, is pure joy. Sure, it's an actor's film, but Norton gives those of us who enjoy watching actors grind their chops (and lick them clean), something that is truly wonderful here.

At 2 hours and 20 minutes running, you have to be able to sit back and let the film run it's course. Norton is in desperate need of a guiding hand and an editor with balls here. I'm not sure what could be cut, but some things surely need to be. It's only by pure tenacious charm that Norton doesn't fall flat on his face at times. He puts everything and the damn kitchen sink in here. He often will do anything - ANYTHING - if he thinks it will get a laugh. Sometimes it barely milks a chuckle. Then again, occassionally, the film will have you guffawing with delight. Perhaps Norton didn't do enough preview audience screenings with non-Hollywood types in attendance to edit the film objectively.

"Keeping the Faith" is in many ways an awesome film. The acting, the themes, the use of music, and the "in jokes" that we get culminate to make a romantic comedy that you can't help but enjoy. Even Norton's own charm overwhelms us eventually to the point where we find it easy to forgive him his trespasses.

The real question here is the eternal Hollywood query: Will it play in Peoria? Or to modernize this: Will it play in the mall?

Note:

Also with Milos Foreman, Holland Taylor, and Ron Rifkin. Norton starred in Foreman's "People Vs. Larry Flynt."

Songs by Elliot Smith among a plethora of other "singer/songwriter" types. One of these is named Garcia. (I can't remember the first name). In the film, there is a scene in a theater lobby where everyone is going to see the film starring "Garcia." Score by Elmer Bernstien.

Report Card

Script: B+

Acting: A-

Cinematography\Lighting: C

Special Effects\Make Up: C

Music: A-

Final Grade: B+