Release Date: November 29, 2011
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour, 37 minutes
Get caught up in the story of an aspiring young artist and a “popular” girl who find themselves in a charming yet unconventional high school romance. A Sundance Film Festival favorite, THE ART OF GETTING BY is a delightful coming-of-age film set against the backdrop of New York City. Experience the beauty and emotional depth of THE ART OF GETTING BY on Blu-ray and DVD November 29th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
George (Freddie Highmore, Golden Compass, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), a lonely and fatalistic teen who’s made it all the way to his senior year without ever having done a real day of work, is befriended by Sally (Emma Roberts, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, What’s Wrong with Virginia), a popular but complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit.
THE ART OF GETTING BY features stellar performances by an all-star supporting cast, including Michael Angarano (Almost Famous), Rita Wilson (Jingle All the Way), Sam Robards (American Beauty), Alicia Silverstone (Clueless), Elizabeth Reaser (Twilight: Breaking Dawn), and Blair Underwood (“Dirty Sexy Money”).
When it comes to a coming of age film and even a romance rolled into one starring Emma Roberts, I’d choose It’s Kind of a Funny Story over The Art of Getting By. I can respect Craig’s reasonings in Funny Story more than George’s here. There’s so much more depth there than here and perhaps because I watched the films back to back, I have such strong feelings about this. George is a very intelligent boy but he’s lazy, scared, and intimidated by the world… so he doesn’t even try to be successful at life. That’s what bugs me about this character. I can’t root for him, even when he does cross paths with the charming and oh so lovable Sally, who encourages him to embrace life.
“I’m going through something.” – George
“That’s pathetic. – Dad
“At least it’s the truth.” – George
“What’s that supposed to mean?” – Dad
George looks up and away with a slight roll of the eyes.
What I love about this moment above in the film is that it captures what I think of it all quite well. Yes, George is going through something but everybody is so his truth is not enough to reel me in. It’s just pathetic. George’s father may be denying the truth but his truth is more captivating because it comes across at more genuine and heartbreaking. George’s story doesn’t touch my heart. It’s as simple as that.
The film is slower than I imagined it to be, predictable, and yet it does not have as much depth and insight as I anticipated. As mentioned before, not being able to connect with the main character also made this a challenge to completely enjoy. I’d say this film is worth watching at least once among the younger crowd so that you can decide on your own how you feel about it. Once you hit the early twenties, your entire perspective changes on the world (the first of many times that it will), and because of that perspective, it’s a great challenge to enjoy this film as an older audience viewer with this different perspective. George is so closed off to the world, for reasons that seem so silly to anyone who has already overcome… and even many who haven’t but aren’t acting out in the way that he is. He’s far too immature to want to care about. The film has good intentions but the execution is simply not as good. Honestly, what kept me engaged for the entire film was the beautiful cinematography and visuals of New York. New York was its own character in this film and it in fact as the most captivating one. So just consider renting the film before adding it permanently to your collection.
DVD Bonus Features:
New York Slice of Life (2:34 minutes) – There’s nothing more satisfying than a film based in New York being shot in New York. It really doesn’t get any more authentic than that. But wait, it does when New Yorkers are behind the camera. In this feature, as behind the scenes footage is shown of filming on location, Writer/Director, Gavin Wiesen talks about shooting the film in NY… shooting parts of New York that are often overlooked as well as his process of capturing the look for this film. This film is a love letter to New York so it was only right to have a bonus feature acknowledging that point. Also featured here are Cast Members, Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts as well as Producer, P. Jennifer Dana.
On Young Love (2:49 minutes) – Cast Members, Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts as well as Writer/Director, Gavin Wiesen touch upon the romance that drives the film and Emma Roberts couldn’t have said it better. As Roberts said, “I think it’s great that you kind of enter into the movie before they’ve really connected, but when you leave, you know there’s so much ahead of them and I think that that’s really sweet.” Roberts has proven herself to be a talent to be reckoned with… an actress who really connects to the story and character at hand. And she is so very well spoken, it’s so wonderful to see her maturing in her work and life. Bright girl. This is only the beginning.
Commentary – The commentary is conducted by Director, Gavin Wiesen. Wiesen is a very simple and direct commentator who provides a lot of depth to the making of the film, thus giving us a bigger appreciation for this film… but he lacks life. He’s very dull. So if you don’t mind this factor, I would definitely recommend viewing the film with the commentary on. Wiesen talks about everything including the development of the idea for this movie, writing the screenplay, casting, following geography of NY, post-production, interesting fun facts behind shooting some of the scenes, and more. It’s worth watching.
Blu-ray Bonus Features:
DVD Bonus Features plus…
* Fox Movie Channel Presents – In Character with Freddie Highmore
* HBO First Look – The Making of The Art Of Getting By
Own The Art of Getting By on Blu-Ray and DVD today.