An Actor Prepares Movie Review

The movie “An Actor Prepares” was directed by Steve Clark and produced by Tom Butterfield, Steve Clark, Tom Lassally, David M. Rosenthal, and Will Rowbotham. The film’s writers are Steve Clark and Thomas Moffett. The film features Poorna Jagannathan Poorna Jagannathan is a brilliant American actress >> Read More... , Will Patton, Ben Schwartz, Jeremy Irons Elegant and handsome, British performing artist, J >> Read More... , Matthew Modine, Jack Huston, Colby Minifie, Mamie Gummer, Frankie Faison, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Larry Pine, Liz McGeever, Judd Lormand Judd Lormand is an American film and tv actor from >> Read More... , Owen Harn, Catherine Dyer, Atkins Estimond, Alexandra Ficken, and Kimberly Krandall. Tony Morales Tony Morales is an English composer. He changed th >> Read More... composed the music used in the film. The film’s cinematographer was John Bailey, and the film’s editor was Anne McCabe.  

Plot 

The film’s protagonist is Atticus Smith, an aging Oscar-winning actor, played by Jeremy Irons.  After Atticus suffers a heart attack, has to go on a road trip across the country with his son to attend his daughter’s wedding. Atticus is an outspoken misogynist who does and speaks whatever his heart desires without any filter. Atticus’ son Adam, played by Jack Huston, loathes Atticus because of his repetitive unfaithfulness towards his mother. Adam teaches a feminist course in a university and, thus hates everything his misogynistic father says. The film follows Atticus and Adam on their cross-country road trip and how their relationship changes through this trip.   

Star Performance

Jeremy Irons gives a stellar performance as Atticus Smith, an unapologetic, profane actor. The rest of the cast also performs well. Jack Huston could have given his character more depth. 

Analysis 

“An Actor Prepares” tries to portray an estranged father and son who bond over a road trip, but the characters are too bland and one-dimensional. In the name of comedy, the film expects the viewers to double over with laughter just at the countless misogynistic and sexually-colored comments Atticus makes. Atticus is a terrible father, and in real life, Adam would not have forgiven or reconciled with Atticus. 

What’s There?

• A vast star cast with Poorna Jagannathan, Will Patton, Ben Schwartz, Jeremy Irons, Matthew Modine, and Jack Huston.

• The film also has humor

• The film portrays the relationship between an estranged father and son 

What’s Not There?

• The film is full of misogynistic and sexually-colored remarks, which leave a bad taste, especially considering that the film is released in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement.

Verdict

“An Actor Prepares” portrays the deteriorated relationship between an estranged father and son. Atticus is an absentee father who constantly cheats on Adam’s mother and despises his son for testifying against him in their divorce proceedings. The film follows their road trip after Atticus’ heart attack. Atticus tries to make amends with his family after his near-death experience. The humor in the film falls flat, and the relationship between Atticus and Adam doesn’t seem amendable. The film might be a good watch for drama enthusiasts.