FilmFest Review: “James White”

 — by Paula Treneer —

OIFF Film Review: “James White”, directed by Josh Mond (“Best of Next”)

Initially the Sundance award-winning film “James White” may seem to be a rite-of-passage film, interweaving James’ quotidian challenges of twenty-something urban nomad existence, lacking direction, employment, sleeping on his terminally-ill mother’s couch while using her illness to justify his aimlessness. On further reflection, the film’s book-ending of James’ dual parental deaths — that of his father at the onset of the film — eliciting his growing crisis, provides those of us who haven’t already experienced such loss an opportunity to vicariously experience the powerful accompanying emotions.

The film’s strengths were the subtle portrayal by Cynthia Nixon of the dying parent, and a tempestuous performance from Christopher Abbott in the main role, while it was handicapped in my judgment by slow pacing, thin plotting, and distractingly jumpy camera work in the early scenes. Supporting actors in the persons of Ron Livingston as a family friend, Makenzie Leigh as James’ girlfriend, and Scott Mescudi as his loyal friend provided welcome relief from Christopher Abbott’s downward spiral, as the deteriorating health of his mother (a stage IV cancer patient) proves too much for James to handle, although the devoted caring for his mother in her last months showed a degree of commitment and dedication he is unfortunately able to marshal towards his work (allegedly writing, although the film’s sole evidence is his thrusting a few pages of scribbled work into Ron Livingston’s hands at what should be a primer for how to blow a job interview).

The director Josh Mond has achieved critical acclaim for this film at the Sundance film festival, winning the Best of Next! Award, following his acclaimed 2011 film Martha Marcy May Marlene. Filmgoers are taking note of the emergence of this talented director.