MANCHESTER BY THE SEA

"Manchester by the Sea" is a film that I will likely never watch again. Not because it is bad, but because one viewing is all it takes for this movie to have a lasting effect on its viewers, for better or worse. Every scene of this picture is wrought with deep, often complicated emotion. Its not for the faint of heart, and may leave you feeling as beaten down as some of its characters, but "Manchester by the Sea" has ridden a thoughtful script and stellar performances to praise among the elites of the film world.

During the early parts of the film, Lee Chandler seems to simply be a sulking loner. He is frustrated with his dead-end job, reluctant to act as guardian to his 16-year-old nephew, and drained by the death of his brother. It is not until later on, when the audience sees flashbacks of the darkest days of his past, that we truly get a sense for why the character is so distant and withdrawn from those around him. As the film's lead, Casey Affleck has experienced somewhat of a breakout. The actor delivers Chandler with the perfect amount of reservation and detachment. Much of the praise that "Manchester by the Sea" has received has been focused upon its performances, and Affleck masterfully leads the group. Throughout the film, the character of Lee Chandler creates tension by seeming so agitated and exasperated with life, but rarely allowing his feelings to boil over. Because of this, the moments when the character's emotions show are especially powerful. Affleck brings just the right amount of edge and complexity to this tortured character. The supporting turns of Michelle Williams and youngster Lucas Hedges are additionally powerful. Williams has little screen time, but does the emotionally distraught very well. Hedges, as Chandlers nephew, Patrick, comes across as snotty and unpleasant as he is tormented.

Writer and director Kenneth Lonergan is well respected for his abilities as a storyteller, and "Manchester by the Sea" has earned him a number of award nominations for his screenplay. Personally, I do not find the story to be as ground breaking as many others do. I will admit that it is remarkably honest and realistic, but for almost two and a half hours of brooding emotional spectacle, the payoff is dissatisfying. The audience is meant to walk away from the film realizing the painful realities of many lives, and a happier ending may have tarnished the artful, introspective aspects of the film. However, as a selfish moviegoer, I would have enjoyed a more conclusive, unambiguous finish to the story. Some choices made by Lonergan are quite tasteful, like the weaving together of flashbacks and plot in order to provide character backstories. At times though, "Manchester by the Sea" gets a bit too emotional for its own good.

If its possible to appreciate a film without actually enjoying it, then that is my reaction to "Manchester by the Sea". If not for Casey Affleck's revelation of a performance, this film would likely have been lost in its own overly-dramatic space. In hearing award season buzz and reading other takes on the picture, I've come across some who interpret the film as a skillfully disguised dark comedy. To that I scratch my head, and wonder what kind of things people find funny these days. For every brief moment of levity, there is a more powerful moment of tragedy and desperation. From an artistic standpoint, "Manchester by the Sea" is a standout film, but do not expect a heartwarming and encouraging outcome.

RATING: 7.4/10