Dan in Real Life, starring Steve Carell and French actress Juliette Binoche, is a new, deliciously sophisticated comedy from talented director Peter Hedges. Hedges best known for his wonderful novel and screenplay 'What’s Eating Gilbert Grape" co wrote the script with Pierce Gardner.
Widower Dan Burns, father of three teenage girls, writes a popular advice column in a large newspaper. He is widely acknowledged as an expert on raising children. However in reality, as his eldest daughter points out he’s 'a good father but a bad dad".
On an annual Burns’ family vacation, Dan still suffering from a broken heart, briefly meets the beautiful Marie in a bookshop. It’s the first time in a long time that Dan, the lonely control freak, has felt attraction for anyone. But unfortunately, he later discovers, Marie is in fact his brother’s new girlfriend.
The extended family of grandparents, siblings, partners and loads of grandkids is chaotic and loud. The way they interact is a delight to watch and believable. And because the screenplay is grounded in such truth, the comedy never feels forced.
This is Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche’s film though. It is an unconventional pairing. She’s best known for her great dramatic roles and he for his slapstick"¦ but gosh it works well. He brings soulfulness and she brings grace and confidence. And Juliette Binoche is really funny, more than holding her own against Carell’s comic timing.
Dan in Real Life is a beautifully realised comedy with clever and truthful observations.
I really loved this film. It was a joy to watch. 4 stars. 'Dan in Real Life" is in cinemas now.
