Starting Out in the Evening

The independent film, Starting Out in the Evening, released in 2007, brings together a unique mix of engaging characters and compelling, introspective ideologies about our pursuit for recognition, identity, and the evanescence of time.

Starting Out in the Evening is a character-driven film, the linchpin of which is the masterful performance of veteran actor Frank Langella. Langella portrays Leonard Schiller, an aging, intellectual writer who has garnered a minor following for his novels, but, over the years, has faded into obscurity, becoming something of a ghost in the literary world.

Leonard is in the twilight of his life, living a life quite similar to his writing - quiet, reserved, and contained. Now working on a novel he's been writing for a decade, he maintains a regimented life in his New York apartment, immersed in his craft, his dedication unwavering despite failing health.

The tranquillity of his solitude is disrupted by the ardent and ambitious Heather Wolfe, a young, vivacious graduate student played by Lauren Ambrose. Heather, hoping to restore Leonard's literary reputation, convinces him to allow her to write her master's thesis about him.

Heather views Leonard as a neglected genius, and she presents herself as his salvator – someone who can bring Leonard and his art back into the public eye. The push-pull dynamic between Leonard and Heather forms the heart of the film as their relationship oscillates between mentor-mentee, father-daughter, and something more intimate.

Their interactions trigger questions about the exploitation inherent in the scholar-subject relationship, the precarious nature of recognition and success in the literary world, and the tension between ambition and personal relationships.

Meanwhile, Lili Taylor plays Ariel, Leonard's self-possessed, single, fortyish daughter. She balances her career plans with an underlying desire to start a family, an aspect of her life she reconnects with when she meets her old boyfriend, Casey, played by Adrian Lester.

The subplot of Ariel's life not only adds depth to Leonard's character but also resonates with the overall themes of the film — the passage of time, the conflicts of desires vs obligations, and the delicate balance between personal dreams and compromises that life often requires.

While the film is dialogue-heavy, it does not feel verbose thanks to its measured pace and the engaging dialogues that reveal more about the characters and their motivations. Andrew Wagner, the director, treats every conversation with the gravity and respect they deserve, which helps in continuously molding the character arcs.

The strength of Starting Out in the Evening lies in the actors delivering solid, nuanced performances. Langella's Leonard shows a quiet, stoic exterior that subtly hides his disappointment with the way his career and personal life have evolved. He navigates Leonard's emotions, his pride, hesitations, and tutored reticence, with deft restraint.

Lauren Ambrose delivers an equally powerful performance. She portrays Heather's course with a convincing blend of starry-eyed idealism, determined ambition, and emotional recklessness. Ambrose's character tests the ethical boundaries of her professional relationship with Leonard — and this forms some of the film’s most intriguing and complex moments.

The supporting characters, particularly Lili Taylor’s portrayal of Ariel as a likable and strong-headed woman battling her own complexities, provide a profound sense of depth and realism to the movie.

The film doesn’t shy away from challenging audiences with uncomfortable questions about age and youth, success and failure, and the essence of artistic commitment beyond issues of commerce and popularity.

Starting Out in the Evening is a beautiful exploration of complex characters, brimming with emotional and philosophical depth. It encapsulates the unending exploration of self — the sacrifices, the uncertainties, and the impacts of our choices that influence our life and our engagement with art. The film is a profound mediation on literature, ambition, aging, and the profound connection between life and art. All of which are themes that are sure to resonate with any viewer, not just ardent literacy enthusiasts or dedicated cinephiles. It’s a subtle, moving, and deeply humane film that leaves a lasting impression.