Review: Imaginary Heroes (2004)

2.0

Written and Directed by: Dan Harris

Sigourney Weaver .... Sandy Travis
Emile Hirsch .... Tim Travis
Jeff Daniels .... Ben Travis
Michelle Williams .... Penny Travis
Kip Pardue .... Matt Travis

Genre: Drama
Language: English
US Premiere: 2004
US Rating: Rated R for substance abuse, sexual content, language and some violence.

With all the young American actors of today, I personally like Emile Hirsch above all. His performance in his movies like "The Emperor's Club" and "The Dangerous Lives of the Altar Boys" shows real emotion and unspoken thoughts than can be easily understood with his body language.

PLOT
I found Imaginary Heroes in his filmography several months ago and I wondered how the story developed. It's a tale of the lives of the Travis family torn apart by the tragic suicide of their eldest son, Matt. Emile plays the role of Tim Travis as the confused son of Sandy Travis (Sigourney Weaver), who plays as their drunken mom. Like anybody else, Tim has unanswered questions in life, relationship and bothersome truths. The aftermath of Matt's suicide caused a lot of circumstances with their relationship with each other. All were in denial, trying to cover up the hurt, the sorrow and the anger of a loved one's death. Their father, Ben Travis (Jeff Daniels) secluded himself from the people around him, punishing not only himself but the members of the family as well.

ACTING
The actors did a good job playing their respective characters and Dan Harris (who's in his mid-20's) should also be commended for teriffic storyline. As a young writer to make such heavy concept of a family crisis, he has a great future ahead. There's no doubt about Sigourney Weaver's acting skills and style. Her grace in portraying the role simply adds color to the story as supported by the young actor, Emile Hirsch, who's only 20. Brilliant performance for everyone though it's not enough for an acting nomination.

LESSON
Most of the time, we do not speak the truth. It's sometimes symbolic or implied and most of the time, we run away from it, hide it and ignore it. It's something that haunts us and it kills our mind as we deal with it. We need affirmation in times of trouble and they are these imaginary heroes that we have in mind. We're enveloped by bitterness especially when in denial. Dealing with such crisis is sick and finding ways to solve such is everybody's problem. It's about transparency, honesty and truthfullness in our words and actions. It's a declaration that [maybe] we all have angsts in life.

RECOMMENDATION
It's a so-so drama about a family. When you're free, try to watch it. It's not really a must-see movie. It's short to being average, actually. But it's fun with all the bitterness they have in the movie. ¿?