Arthur Newman

Arthur Newman, released in 2012, is a moving drama filled with introspection, transformation, and a bespoke blend of eccentricity and profound human connection. The film, directed by Dante Ariola, and written by Becky Johnston, stars Colin Firth, Emily Blunt, and Anne Heche in pivotal roles.

Arthur Newman revolves around the life of a dissatisfied man with a mundane life and a failed set of relationships - a life that seems to reflect a whopping contrast with his earlier ambition of becoming a professional golfer. Colin Firth, the British actor renowned for his roles in films like The King's Speech portrays the character of Wallace Avery, a man so disillusioned by his life that he decides to fake his own death, assume a new identity, and begin a new life as Arthur Newman. This becomes his desperate attempt to leave behind a string of failed relationships and a career that never climbed new scales.

Enter Emily Blunt, playing Mike, a woman grappling with her own problems and battling her inner demons. Blunt, with her exceptional acting prowess, endows her character with a vulnerability yet a strange sense of courage and complexity that's hard to overlook. Mike, who serendipitously crosses paths with Arthur, finds herself becoming an undeniable part of his new life.

Whilst Arthur is fleeing his past, Mike is being inexplicably shoved back into her own. She is allergic to intimacy due to her tormented history and thus forms an unusual bond with Arthur based not on truth, but on the duo's collection of lies. Their flawed characters find solace together, unveiling a strange but appealing journey. Through this journey, director Dante Ariola takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions to present a narrative about the complexity of human relationships, self-discovery, and the ever-present longing for change and redemption.

In their new assumed personas, Arthur and Mike take an unpredictable road trip where they begin breaking into vacant suburban homes, not to loot, but to pretend to be the absent owners. In every home, they form new identities, playing roles that they themselves have never experienced in a bizarre quest for real experiences. These unconventional interludes serve as an unusual backdrop for Arthur and Mike's evolving relationship, one steeped in both earnest affection and stark differences.

Further, the film introduces Anne Heche, who plays the ex-girlfriend of Wallace Avery. She convincingly performs her role and represents a gateway to the old life that Arthur Newman desperately seeks to escape. Her reminiscing character adds another layer of depth and poignancy to the narrative.

The cinematography of the film is captivating, accurately capturing the subtly shifting moods of the narrative. The viewer is made to oscillate between empathy, intrigue, and introspection, reflecting the story's impactful mélange of themes, existential crises, and bittersweet revelations of the human heart. The music and score also enhance the film's ambiance, beautifully accentuating the highs and lows of the characters' physical and emotional journey.

Arthur Newman is a tale of running away, starting anew, and ultimately discovering oneself. The movie manages to explore its unique concept in a way that is emotionally satisfying, even though it might feel complicated at times. Despite the potential darkness of the themes at its heart, the film remains buoyantly light, providing an engaging viewing experience.

In conclusion, Arthur Newman is a must-watch for those seeking a film that breaks away from clichés, delving into the adventures of deeply flawed yet fascinating characters. Firth’s profound performance matched with Blunt’s audacious character development crafts a unique chemistry that’s hard to miss. The film gives an enriched understanding of the human yearning for reinvention, the intricacies of complex relationships, and the ability to rediscover oneself in the most unexpected of circumstances. If you are looking for a meaningful, introspective, and engaging movie-going experience, Arthur Newman makes for a promising choice.