Indie Gems: Breathe In

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Growing up and having responsibilities isn't for everyone.

This is especially the case for Keith (Guy Pearce) a musician who dreams of living in New York City again, playing the cello for the NYC Orchestra. Instead he's out living in the suburbs, with his wife, Megan (Amy Ryan) and his 18 year old daughter, Lauren. (Mackenzie Davis) He teaches piano at his daughter's high school, and occasionally subs for the Orchestra. His wife is more realistic about his dream of moving back to the city: They can't afford it. The decide to house a foreign exchange student from the UK, 18 year old Sophie. (Felicity Jones) She's a piano progeny who's unsure of what she wants to do with her life. She and Keith share several sexually frustrated glances, and soon her presence turns into a big problem.

Aside from the fact that Lauren and Sophie apparently attend the Academy of Students That Look Like They're Old Enough To Be Teachers Here, I actually really liked Breathe In. I wasn't expecting too, as the reviews I've mostly read had been mediocre to bad. I can't blame Sophie for having the hots for Keith, I mean look at Guy Pearce, nor can I blame him for not thinking straight when both his wife and daughter don't take his music passion seriously. The whole thing is highly inappropriate, but I really felt bad for all involved. They were all going through different things that escalated fairly quickly.

The music was beautiful, I love all the pieces they chose. This film is very melancholy and might not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I'd even watch it again. The performances are wonderful.

Grade: B

Memorable Quote: "I feel like I'm causing so many problems here." - Sophie (Felicity Jones)

Comments

  1. Big Screen Small WordsSeptember 19, 2014 at 7:52 AM

    Great review. I've been meaning to see this film as well; I'm a fan of Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce. Hopefully it doesn't disappoint!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 19, 2014 at 12:03 PM

      I hope you like it too. It got a lot of mediocre reviews, so I had low expectations, but I ended up really liking it.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 19, 2014 at 3:19 PM

    I liked it as well, probably the same way you did. I kind of hoped for more something, more flare.. but it was still a nice cinema experience.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 20, 2014 at 7:20 AM

      Definitely. I saw your review I think either right before I watched it or right after. I was glad to read it.

      Delete
  3. UnknownSeptember 19, 2014 at 5:29 PM

    Great review! It sounds like this movie takes a complex, somewhat dark view of relationships. It sounds right up my alley. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 20, 2014 at 7:14 AM

      I think you would like this one. I hope you write about it when you see it!

      Delete
  4. Natalie at Writer Loves MoviesSeptember 25, 2014 at 7:03 AM

    This is one of my favourite movies from the last few years. I love the natural, improvised style Drake Doremus brings. He creates so much tension here, it's very raw. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 25, 2014 at 8:27 AM

      He really does. I think I will have to check out his other films. I've only seen this and Like Crazy.

      Delete
  5. Alex WithrowSeptember 26, 2014 at 10:15 AM

    Really glad you liked this one. You're so right when you say that, although many things in the film are inappropriate, you can't help but feel bad for everyone involved. There were no clearly defined heroes or villains in this one. Everyone is screwed and everyone is at fault, which I really liked about it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 26, 2014 at 2:26 PM

      Yes, exactly. They all could've used some family therapy.

      Delete
  6. JoshDecember 2, 2014 at 2:40 PM

    Drake Doremus' films just don't seem to be my cup of tea. I couldn't get into Like Crazy or Breathe In. Maybe third time's the charm?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 3, 2014 at 6:50 AM

      Maybe? I liked both of those, but in comparison, Woody Allen movies aren't really my cop of tea either, and I've tried so many. It happens.

      Delete

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