Fits and Starts

Fits and Starts is an amusing and introspective 2017 film written and directed by Laura Terruso. Its alluring cast includes the likes of Wyatt Cenac, Greta Lee, and Maria Dizzia, all of whom add distinct personality and verity to the plot. Unfolding like a modern-day comedy of manners, Fits and Starts explores the messy dynamics of relationships, writing, and the pursuit of success, all amid the backdrop of a bustling literary scene.

Wyatt Cenac, widely known for his work in Daily Show and Person of Interest, stars as David, an independent writer struggling to find the right rhythm and inspiration for his first novel. His wife, Jennifer, played by Greta Lee, is portrayed as a successful, recently published author. Despite their shared passion for the written word, the couple's varying degrees of success ignite tension and feed into David's precarious self-esteem.

In an attempt to escape the constant reminders of Jennifer's success, David embarks on a bizarre journey of self-discovery through the underbelly of the literary scene. He finds himself at an extravagant, high-profile book party filled with the who's who of the publishing world. However, the eccentric blend of pompous authors, flashy publishers, and ardent fans only triggers his insecurities further, turning an event meant for networking into a night of awkward social situations and personal embarrassments.

Greta Lee's portrayal of Jennifer is both convincing and nuanced. She does a fantastic job in depicting a successful writer who is trying to navigate the complexities of a jealous partner, a trait she neither understands nor appreciates. Despite their clashing egos, love binds the couple together, the narrative skillfully evolving their relationship without resorting to cliches.

Beyond its primary plotline, Fits and Starts also includes a bevy of eccentric and colorful supporting characters that add depth and humor to the narrative. Maria Dizzia's performance as Pauline, a carefree artist who becomes an unlikely friend and ally to David, is particularly notable.

Visually, the film can be described as a minimalist yet artful portrayal. With an emphasis on character-building and plot progression, Terruso limits the use of grandiose effects, focusing more on capturing the rawness of human emotions and the authenticity of sophisticated, adult relationships. Combined with the subtle cinematography, the film is aesthetically appealing, balancing style and substance effectively.

The writing in Fits and Starts is as sharp as its title suggests, with wit and irony weaved into every dialogue. Terruso’s script takes pointed jabs at the pretentiousness of the literary world, providing comic relief for a narrative that largely dwells in the psyche of an insecure writer. However, the satirical narrative does not undermine the film's dramatic depth; instead, it enriches the viewing experience by adding layers of æsthetic complexity.

Fits and Starts also delves into the themes of creative struggle, ambition, and identity. Through David's roller-coaster journey, the film touches upon profound realms of self-deprecation, inferiority complexes, and self-doubt common among artists and writers alike. The film serves as a reflective mirror for anyone who has grappled with their creative aspirations while being overshadowed by the success of their peers or colleagues.

On the whole, Fits and Starts is a well-composed film, engaging viewers not only with its a blend of humor and drama but also with its nuanced exploration of personal and professional insecurities. It equally appeals to cinephiles, aspiring writers, and anyone who enjoys a smart, entertaining musing on life, love, and art. Terruso masterfully captures the essence of the artist's struggle, making this film a poignant, relatable comedy about the toils, trials, and triumphs of romantic and professional life. It's an essential watch for viewers wanting a peek into the life of writers and their intrinsically complex creative processes.