About A Boy

I ran across this gem from 2002 on TV the other day and immediately recorded it, even though I've already seen it more than once. In my humble opinion, this is one of the best true acting performances of Hugh Grant's whole career. I'm not sure why it ended up qualifying as a "sleeper", not getting much attention. It was even nominated for an Academy Award for best screenplay adaptation. Quiet films that don't get 500 million commercials to promote them sometimes just fall between the cracks.

Based on the book by Nick Hornby, the plot follows the relationship that develops between Will (Grant), a totally self-absorbed and isolated young man who has never needed to work a day in his life, and Marcus (brilliantly played by Nicholas Hoult), an uber-goobery and totally socially inept tweenager. As Marcus deals with his mother's depression (played by the wonderful Toni Collette), he pulls Will into their lives, all but kicking and screaming. The odd relationship this forms helps both of them to grow up and learn how to interact with the world.

A tagline from the film says, "Growing up has nothing to do with age." It always leaves me wondering which male character the "Boy" part of the title is referring to. Maybe it's meant to mean both because Will, though older, is not much more than a boy emotionally. He has found peace and quiet in his solitary life, seeming more like a man of 80 than one who is 30ish, but he has not found joy. And the more Will's life is stirred up and he realizes that he is basically a pretty useless and uninteresting person, the more that joy eludes him.

I also love the clearly stated theme that "No man is an island" and "we all need backup". It's not enough to just move through the day. Relationships are what bring the richness and fullness to life...even if they are often what make us want to run from life screaming.

And, the lesson we can all use more of: Sing with your eyes closed. Give in to life. Find something you love and pour your heart and soul into it. Giving himself over to this is a turning point for Will in the film, but it makes me wonder how rarely I have those moments myself. Life needs lots of them.

Take the time to find this film. It's playing on cable this month. It's well worth it. Great chocolate for your soul.

PS   My big shock of the morning was to do a little "where are they now" on Nicholas Hoult, who was so wonderful as the little boy, Marcus. It was obvious there was definite potential for greatness in that young actor, who was a very short and pudgy 12ish at the time, but I recognized his adult face immediately! Besides being a part of the UK cast of "Skins" (which I have not seen), he was in "A Single Man" with Colin Firth and "Clash of the Titans". He's also in the new X-Men movie and the remake of Mad Max...and now stands at a slim 6'2". Doing well, to say the least!