Whoever thought South African-born Charlize Theron could not act, was highly mistaken. She may not be amongst Hollywood‘s big 5 actresses, but each new, serious role she handles brings her a little closer to that elite group. Certainly, she is in the top ten, unless I am very much mistaken.
From humble beginnings in the Benoni suburb near Johannesburg, South Africa, Theron has developed into one of Hollywood’s most prolific actresses, able to diversify in the type of character she portrays, from the sterotypically beautiful blonde bombshell that she already is to the most callous villain. Indeed, several years ago she was awarded the Oscar for best actress for her true to life portrayal of the lesbian murderer,Aileen Wuornos in Monster.
I recently saw her in Ridley Scott‘s brilliant science-fiction picture, Prometheus, in which she portrayed a cool, calculating corporate representative amongst a team of scientists and adventurers, essentially on a mission to discover new intelligent life way beyond Planet Earth and then to save Earth from powerful marauding invaders reminiscent of HG Well’s Martians.
Young Adult is a multi-layered story which should appeal to the viewer with a simultaneous interest in the subject of depression and writing. Diablo Cody‘s script is uncomplicated and can be easily followed by the average viewer who does not wish to engage in the more artistic literary form. Theron’s performance as a depressed writer of young adult literature is both brave and admirable, and her performance allows one to sympathise with her sorrowful journey in re-igniting a love affair long dead.
Her supporting actor, Patton Oswalt, gives an endearing performance as a maimed and hurt man who inadvertently helps Theron’s character to realize a redemption of sorts. Oswalt is best remembered as a supporting actor in the Drew Carry television series which starred the American comedian alongside Ryan Stiles and Dietriech Bader.
Tom Long of Detroit News remarks that “As good as Theron and Oswalt are, and they’re very good, Young Adult doesn’t give them enough room to breathe”. And that is precisely my point, that the subject matter, always difficult, and the story and plot does not allow them breathing space.
Both director, Jason Reitman‘s mis-en-scene and the story is short, uncomplicated and balanced. I recommend the film for its subject matter, ie. writing and depression, and its technical coup in allowing the protagonist and the supporting characters to stand out independently of this well-rounded story.
Four stars.
MOVIE MARKS 