Best Sellers

Best Sellers is a heartwarming yet humorously intense film released in 2021, directed by Lina Roessler, marking her auspicious directorial debut. The movie presents a compelling narrative about the razor-thin line between despair and hope, focusing heavily on the transformative power of literature. With powerhouses like Michael Caine and Aubrey Plaza leading the cast - flanked by Scott Speedman in a supporting role - the film expertly navigates the waters of dark comedy and drama.

The legendary Michael Caine brings life to the character Harris Shaw, a cranky, offbeat yet revered Pulitzer Prize-winning author who had his heyday in the '70s but is now living a life of obscurity. Harris is a volatile mix of eccentricity and cynicism - a once-great writer now turned into a cantankerous recluse, a man profoundly irreverent towards conventional norms of society. He lives in a disheveled, cluttered house overflowing with scribbles, manuscripts, and memories of his past glories.

In stark contrast, Aubrey Plaza portrays Lucy Stanbridge, an ambitious young publisher who inherits a struggling publishing house from her father. With the publishing company's financial predicaments and its relevance in the contemporary world of literature at stake, Lucy resolves to publish one last great book. Realizing an unpublished manuscript of Harris Shaw is the only way to save her sinking business, Lucy sets off on a journey to coax the obstreperous author, whose previous works still echo in the literary universe, to deliver a book that recreates his past magic.

As Lucy and Harris embark on their book tour across the harsh realities of modern-day publishing, they grapple with the humorous yet poignant complexities of their professional relationship. Lucy’s tenacity to revive her father's legacy juxtaposes wonderfully with Harris’s devil-may-care attitude, creating a dynamic filled with equal parts comic relief and emotional turmoil.

Michael Caine, a stalwart in cinematic circles, delivers another poignant performance, proving that his caliber has not waned with time. His portrayal of Harris Shaw adds another remarkable character to his illustrious career. Caine’s characterization bristles with gruff wit, and his sarcastic retort pierces the veil of otherwise significant situations, offering a glimpse into the conflicted soul of an artist past his prime but stubbornly clinging to his erstwhile glory.

Aubrey Plaza, known for her comedic timing, provides a compelling and heartfelt dramatic performance, sidestepping her familiar comedic territory. As the ambitious and determined Lucy Stanbridge, Plaza gives viewers a compelling performance that breathes life into an ambitious young woman trying to keep a legacy alive in a vicious market.

Scott Speedman supports the lead duo with an essential yet impactful role, adding another layer to the movie's narrative. His character brings in elements of love, hope, and understanding, essential to maintaining the intricate balance of the storyline.

The backdrop of the publishing world lays the perfect setting for a tale highlighting the trials of artistry, commercialism, and relevance in the face of changing times. It provides an interesting exploration into the struggles of modern-day arts while tiptoeing around the notion that art and market might not necessarily meet at a comfortable crossroads.

The narrative of Best Sellers is peppered with subtle comedic instances that lighten the story's intensity, making it a highly engaging chronicle of two diametrically opposite individuals joined together in their quest for survival and success. The cinematography, music, and locations chosen for the film strike the perfect chord to reinforce the theme and narratives of the movie.

A formidable display of storytelling, Best Sellers is a dramedy showcasing power-packed performances and a well-written script. It carries a strong element of nostalgia as it grapples with time and change - not to mention it flawlessly blurs the lines between comedy and drama, maintaining an engaging continuity.

From the still-life tranquility of Harris Shaw’s home to the chaotic streets during their non-traditional book tour, Best Sellers is an enjoyable journey that keeps the audience engaged and invested. It is a cinematic testament to the battle between the old and the new, the novel, and the vintage, the celebrated and the struggling.