There are certain things a person can put in a trailer which will guarantee that I’ll watch the film it’s trailing. Some of these things might be:
People rollerskating down hallways
Pictures of old things
Melanie Laurent
Old people
Talking dogs (talking through subtitles, that is, not opening and closing their mouth like humans, which I’d find creepy)
The trailer for Mike Mills’ latest film Beginners has all of these things and a lovely cover of Stardust playing too, making me irrationally nostalgic for the year 2003? I’m sold.
Oliver’s story about finding out his dad is gay and dying is Mill’s super personal reflection of the events in his own life: “This script was developed with the belief that something this personal can become universal. The concrete details of my father’s life, the real struggles, and all the real humor gave the film an authenticity that I hope will make it more powerful and more emotional for all kinds of people.”
It looks like it’s going to deliver some kick-ass performances from Laurent (Inglourious Basterds, Je vais bien, ne t’en fais pas), Christopher Plummer (The Sound of Music, Star Trek), Ewan Macgregor (of whom I’m a big fan since I Love You Phillip Morris) and Cosmo (Hotel for Dogs).
It also looks funny and sweet and truthful. And while Oliver’s love interest Anna has something of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl about her: “People like us – half of them think things will never work out. The other half believe in magic,” it’s OK, because, Beginners, you had me at talking dog.
Have you seen any Mike Mills films? Why do old people in movies make you so sad? What’s the nicest thing your dog ever said to you?
