"Big Fan" is not a story about a big Giants fan. It is the story of a compromised 35 year old named Paul Aufiero (Patton Oswalt) who is obsessed with football. Everyone of us knows of a Paul in our lives - a relative, a neighbor, a friend's neighbor or relative. He's part of a group of lost souls who are missing something that connects them with the rest of mainstream society.
Patton Oswalt delivers a strong performance as the kid who never grew up. Imagine an adult who never got past the beginning of adolescence and you have Robert Siegel's screenplay. The backdrop of football is perfect for this character, since his passion for a professional sports team knows no age boundaries. Paul is safe in this world wearing NY Giants Blue until he gets a little more attention than he bargained for.
One day per week we are unable to distinguish between the rabid adult and the mentally compromised. When life resumes during the other 6 days, we see behavior that is as uncomfortable as it is real. Siegel dishes out "uncomfortable" in large portions, which makes the movie difficult to watch. "Big Fan" does not give us exhilaration because it is too busy giving us truth. Give Siegel credit for finding the lost soul; if you're up to the discomfort of finding it with him, it is worth going to see.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Movie Review: Big Fan
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2 comments:
One of the old time beat writers has succumbed to the realities of our current times:
http://giants.lohudblogs.com/2009/08/26/a-hell-of-a-ride/
Ernie Palladino was let go as another bystander of the new media mode, the internet. Is this a concerns to some as the sources of media who have direct contact with the team becomes smaller and smaller? The trend of the times means the Vacchiano's and Garafolo's could be on there way out in the near future as well? The NY Times and WSJ are struggling to generate revenue which magnifies the likes of the Daily News, Post and Star-Ledger. This will result in concentration of information directly observed and gathered from the team to only a few. Palladino observed a lot and gave a perspective of the past that I am sure gave him objectivity of the present and the future. His peers are a dying breed.
Love to hear some thoughts on this and perspective on how we will track our beloved team in the future?
Blue.
I have never had any faith in the media to get the story correct when it comes to football. I like Garaf and Vacch but Andy is so much more insightful. I do worry about the country as a whole and the government not being accountable without a press to keep them honest but as far as the Giants are concerned, I have no worries.
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