The Extra Man

The Extra Man is an offbeat 2010 film that seamlessly combines comedy and drama into an alluring narrative about the eccentricity of human beings, the search for personal identity, and the inherent yearning for companionship. Directed by the accomplished duo Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, the film features an impressive cast of Kevin Kline, Paul Dano, and Katie Holmes who bring an exceptional depth to the unusual storyline with their nuanced performances.

Kevin Kline demonstrates his wide range of acting skills with his portrayal of Henry Harrison, a failed playwright who is living a seemingly unorthodox life in New York City as a society walker or an 'extra man.' An 'extra man' is essentially a male escort, not in the sexual sense, but rather as a companion to widowed, elderly, and wealthy ladies in high society who need a partner to escort them to various social events. Harrison lives in a dilapidated apartment and embraces an atypically frivolous lifestyle, appreciating the finer things in life yet living in strikingly apparent poverty.

Paul Dano plays Louis Ives, a young aspiring writer with an old world spirit who moves to New York City after losing his job as a teacher due to a scandalous incident. Fascinated by the classics, and embodying a character that seems pulled from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, Louis rents a room in Henry's apartment and quickly becomes intrigued by Henry's unconventional life.

Katie Holmes, on the other hand, effortlessly paints a picture of Mary Powderly, an environmental activist and an object of Louis's affection. Her captivating performance adds an exciting dynamic to the movie, contributing to the overall quirkiness of the narrative.

The film explores the quirky mentor-protegé relationship between Henry and Louis. While Henry tries to teach Louis the art of being an 'extra man,' Louis tries to navigate his way through his self-discovery journey in his new surroundings. Their eccentric escapades to various high-profile events involving wealthy, older women evokes charm and comedic relief to the film's narrative.

The plot delves deeply into the characters' search for their identity, human eccentricity, and the difference in generational thinking. The movie strays from typical narratives and delves into the peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of the characters, making it an indulgence in human psyche exploration.

The Extra Man has an engaging era-oriented charm to it, thanks to the beautifully reproduced sights and sounds of New York City. The film has a consistent artistic touch, with its filming style giving a nostalgic nod to the old era glamour. The set designs, from Henry Harrison’s shabby chic apartment filled with dated yet charismatic furniture to the scenography of the elite's dining halls, add a captivating visual appeal to the movie.

The success of The Extra Man comes from its blend of excellent performances, its humor, its unique, thought-provoking themes, and its lovingly created characters. Kevin Kline is exceptional, embracing all the eccentricities of Henry, and creating a character who is both absurdly funny and touchingly pitiful. Paul Dano brings both humor and sympathy to Louis, a seemingly lost soul stuck in the modern world but yearns for the charm of the past.

The Extra Man is therefore more than just a comedy-drama movie. It's an exploration of an unlikely friendship, an insight into a life led by self-created rules outside society’s norms, and a testament of the heart's quest to seek connection in the unlikeliest of places. With its eccentric sparks of creativity and exploration of human nature, it remains an intriguing cinematic offering that leaves the audience thinking long after the end credits roll.