of mice and bubz.

the art of teen indie movie-making

So last night I saw the latest in hipster film…..The Art of Getting By, starring Freddie Highmore (think adorable little boy in August Rush) and (as she will probably always be known) Julia Roberts’ niece, Emma Roberts. 

It opened intriguingly enough, with George (Highmore) as a narrator, and teen plagued with the problem of pessimism. The unmotivated artiste spends his class time sketching, which is clearly his greatest talent. What starts as uncompromisingly cliche, however, grows deeper. The audience sees George mature before their eyes, as he realizes that his disrespect and constant laze are merely the wall he uses to guard himself. 

Okay, so maybe every turn in the plot is precisely what the audience would expect. Maybe some of the writing is hokier than an Old Navy commercial. And perhaps Roberts’ acting reminds me a bit of a kindergarten play, where the kid gets by on a cute smile. But, this movie puts on a feast of food for thought, while shedding light on the introverts of the world. The cinematography, particularly the fresh angles, bleak color, and depth of field, provide for a visually stimulating flick.

Throw in a dash of teen romance, some indie tunes, and a bit of redemption—and this movie just might get by in the real world.