We all love happy endings maybe because we want to get away from it all, but there are movies that can challenge us to face the painful realities of life while at the same time making us laugh and smile.

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The story: A wry coming-of-age comedy about twenty-something Art (Robert Pattinson) who gets dumped by his girlfriend, moves back in with his parents and hits a quarter-life crisis. Art uses inheritance money to indulge in retail and new age therapies only to end up enlisting the help of an eccentric self-help guru, Dr. Ellington (Powell Jones). Art's painfully funny journey to define his existence brings to the fore the dysfunctional relationship he has with his parents and the importance in his life of his odd-ball friends.

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The first thing I noticed about Oliver Irving’s ‘How To Be’ is the filmmaker’s intention to give us more than just a glimpse into the life of its main character, Art. He wants us to understand Art - how he looks at himself, what he wants to do with his life, how he handles rejection, how he deals with his family and friends, and in the process we can actually judge him for what he is - someone who needs help.

There are three good things going for How To Be. One is you get this feeling that the filmmakers and everyone involved did not do it for the money, but to give us a good story, with characters rich and funny and honest and, most of all, just like us. There are no heroes here, nor are we forced to make believe. Second, here's your chance to become acquainted with a talented up and coming filmmaker by the name of Oliver Irving. Lastly, you’ll get to see Robert Pattinson as an emerging actor with such potential - you will simply want to watch more and more of his films!

If you’re a fan of Robert Pattinson, this is definitely one of his most important roles to date. Many would have to say we only recognize Pattinson in his Harry Potter role, but as you watch this movie, you’ll see a different character emerging. This is not the charming, confident wizard who competes for a prize. This is a young, insecure, often clumsy individual who has nowhere to go, no girlfriend and no real prospect for the future.

I recalled one particular movie that had the same effect on me, which was Starter for Ten, starring another tMF favorite, James McAvoy. It must be the dry British humour that cuts through some of the scenes. Just like Art, Brian (McAvoy) is struggling for his place in the sun. While the two films take place in different time frames, we see something that will remain a constant in any young man’s life - the need for recognition, the need for love, and the need for independence.

I was somewhat amused as well as annoyed when I read one of the first reviews of the movie in Variety, and I quote:

"How to Be" belongs to that new crop of thinly-veiled self-portraiture intended to inspire painful recognition. But Irving's stylized presentation contradicts any notion of realism.

Yes, there is that painful recognition that the character you’re watching is actually a reflection of you in some ways - perhaps a younger “you” when you were just struggling to survive. Art's decision to return to his parents reveals the reality that he’s a failure and things are not going to get rosy and awesome some day soon. I find no contradiction in this, but instead I can feel the desperation in Art’s waning ability to believe in himself which causes him to resort to an extreme solution - and he asks someone to actually run his life for him. That’s the only ‘make-believe’ part and it serves to highlight Art’s frame of mind, making the movie even more extraordinary.

Perhaps my favorite scene is when Art has to convince himself that life goes on and that although things are rough, something good may come up soon. He’s sitting and looking at himself in the mirror - it’s that glint in his eyes that says a lot of things. In reality, when we question how we got ourselves into ‘this mess’ and when we lose ourselves in the collective chaos of what we all call ‘life’, we can either laugh about it or take it the hard way. What comes is inspiring and fresh, even though it’s not the first time on screen, and that is how Art still manages, despite all the rejections, to wake up and face another day.

We all love happy endings maybe because we want to get away from it all, but there are movies that challenge us to face the painful realities of life while at the same time making us laugh and smile. This is one of those movies that leave you more inspired than desperate, that allows you to laugh at the most unexpected scenes and that introduces you to why some people love indie films. At the end, you’ll understand why these people wanted to become filmmakers – they have something special to offer us.

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[ How To Be movie site ] [ IMDb Movie details ]

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Comments (22)

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i wish this film to be show in Bangkok film festival so i can get to see it. but after i check it's not in the list. anyway i'll buy DVD instead. i believe this film's gonna be great.

I've Bitten , September 19, 2008

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I WANT TO SEE IT NOW!!!! It's coming to Austin, which is like four hours from here, but I can't see it! Oh well....I hope the DVD release comes soon so I can buy it!

Lydia , September 19, 2008 | url

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I want to see this film so bad, it aches. lol

I hope (wish) I could see this onscreen before it hits DVD, I'm not holding out much hope, since I live in Alabama.

Thank you once again, Jed!

Marsha , September 19, 2008 | url

Jealous...

...and thrilled you got to see this and had such great things to say!!

At the end, you’ll understand why these people wanted to become filmmakers – they have something special to offer us.

I believe that 100%...I've really admired how Oliver and Justin have been promoting this film - themselves. You can hear and read how much it means to them, and how much work was put into it.

I can't wait to see this story. I'd love to see it on the big screen, I'd drive throughout the state! But, no matter how we finally get to enjoy this movie, I know we will all feel exactly the same. Feeling for and loving the characters, laughing at situations that we most likely will be able to relate to, cringing at the embarrassing scenes Art will no doubt get himself into, and just thoroughly enjoying the story and the journey.

Thanks to Jed, for a great review and whetting the appetites of so many of us!

blearyeyedmesgirl , September 19, 2008 | url

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I am so exicted that you were able to preview How to Be. I too, can't wait to see it (hopefully soon). I can't to hear more about How to Be.

Jenbarn76 , September 19, 2008

so jealous right now

This review is making me want to see How to be, even more right now, It was shown in London but i couldnt get down there.

beautiful-insanity , September 19, 2008

thanks for the review

Thanks for a great review. Wish I could see the movie but unfortunately, it's not showing at the Vancouver International Film Fest! I'll definitely get the DVD.

Carolyn , September 19, 2008

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What a wonderful review.....now How To Be needs to be shown in California or I need a plane ticket to some other state asap, I really want to see it that much! I have heard nothing but wonderful reviews and I want to be able to experience it firsthand; though I have no doubt that it will be exceptional!

lifeisfast , September 19, 2008

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Wonderful review Jed! I really must see this soon.

kit katt , September 19, 2008

RP

I love Robert Pattinson - he's so awesome!

KelseyTwilighter , September 19, 2008

Thanks for the Review

I was fortunate enough to see this film at the Rhode Island International Film Festival and loved every bit of it. Your review is spot on, we call all see a bit of ourselves in Art. How To Be was a truly delightful movie and I can't wait to see it again!
-KE

kconcini , September 19, 2008

Great Review

I can't wait to see this film, now that you have posted this. The movie has a lot to offer. A great coming of age story that everybody could relate to, made by a talented director and played by talented actors. I've seen the trailers and previews, and my impression of it is that it would also be a thought provoking one, one of those films that make you think and rethink of your life. I also think that is a ground breaking project for all of the people involved, most especially to Robert Pattinson. I love the way he chooses roles that are diverse and complex, it just brings out his potential. When he takes on a role or character, HE BECOMES THE CHARACTER, which gives his acting more credibility and more realism. I really hope to see more of him in films like this. Congratulations to Oliver Irving and to the cast of How To Be. People will see this film.

Sukiyaki , September 19, 2008

Excellent

It's true, I first saw Rob in Harry Potter, but then I saw him in two made-for-tv movies, depicting very different characters and became even more interested in what he would portray next. One of my first thoughts was that How To Be reminded me of Starter for 10, another favorite of mine. Not that I thought this was the same story or anything, but that the audience could relate with certain aspects of the character. Congratulations to Oliver Irving and all involved in this movie, it was a great experience, one that I would enjoy watching again and again!

AnnaMarie , September 19, 2008

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Wonderful review Jed. Thank you so much for sharing it with us all. I am so excited about How To Be & absolutely can't wait to see it.

Michelle82 , September 20, 2008

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I am Italian
I can read English but (sorry about that) I write very badly......
So forgive my mistakes

I think you write very well
very, very well...
And now I can't wait to watch this movie
to be "more inspired than desperate"....
When I see the trailer I knew, was a different story
and your words confirmed me this
in a very Lovely way

and the people who made this movie should be thank you!
I say... tank you

Stella , September 20, 2008

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GOD, i can't wait any longer, the more I read, the more I want

Amazing review Jed

imaginazyon , September 20, 2008 | url

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Thank you for the awesome review! I cannot wait to see it.

Priscilla , September 21, 2008

Can´t wait!

Thanks for that wonderful artikel!!!
The more a read about that movie, the harder it gets to wait...
Seems to be just the movie I like....Yes, I´m an indie-lover...

Lucia , September 21, 2008

THX

I'm only here because I was desperately googling for How To Be reviews, and this is what I found.* They're well into the festival season however I'm not seeing a lot of press about it, which has been worrying me. Thanks Jed for posting this. I can feel in my bones that this movie will be one of my all time favorites. Sending good vibes to Oliver and crew and hoping to see more of his work soon.

*Intriguing site though very hard to navigate.

Bad Edie , September 24, 2008

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Caught this at Slamdance, and loved it also! I'd love to see it again, so I hope it shows up at my local indie theatre after festival season, or at least that the DVD hurries up.

Autumn , September 24, 2008

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I saw the trailer for it and there was one part that got me a little choked up. I can't wait to see it!

JenCal , September 25, 2008

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I'm excited about this. I'm visiting New Orleans on October 16. I hope you add another screening after the 16 so I can watch it while I'm there. I'm Californian you know.

Matie , October 08, 2008

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