Arlen Faber (2009)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

John Hindman

Writer:

John Hindman (screenplay)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

He wrote the book on life's big questions. But the truth is he hasn't got a clue.

Plot:

A reclusive author of spiritual books, is pursued for advice by a single mother and a man fresh out of rehab.

Plot Keywords:

Character Name In Title

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Jeff Daniels	...	Arlen Faber
Lauren Graham	...	Elizabeth
Lou Taylor Pucci	...	Kris Lucas
Olivia Thirlby	...	Anne
Kat Dennings	...	Dahlia
Nora Dunn	...	Terry Fraser
Tony Hale	...	Mailman
Annie Corley	...	Mrs. Gold
Max Antisell	...	Alex
Thomas Roy	...	Riley Lucas
Peter Patrikios	...	Ross
Greg Wood	...	Businessman #1
Richard G. Lyntton	...	Journalist
Richard Barlow	...	Paul
Sally Mercer	...	Customer

Also Known As:

The Answer Man (USA) (new title)
The Dream of the Romans (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

USA:95 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Company:

Messick Films

Goofs:

Factual errors: At the beginning they show all the covers of the book "Me and God" in different languages. One of them reads "Me y Dios", supposedly Spanish. That title has two errors. First, it should say "Yo y Dios", because "Me y Dios" makes no sense. Second, in Spanish is incorrect to say "Yo y Dios" you must say "Dios y yo" because the first person singular always goes at the end. For instance: "Yo y Maria" (me and Maria) is wrong, "Maria y yo" (Maria and me), it's correct.

Quotes:

Alex: My mom says that meat is poisonous and can kill you.
Arlen Faber: And if that's not the best hamburger you've ever had, I will change my name to Denise and walk into the sea.

If you saw William Shatner on SNL, you will know what happens

When Shatner told Trekkies in an SNL skit to "get a life" he really meant it, and writer Arlen Faber(Jeff Daniels) really meant it in this film too when he said something similar to all the bookstore-signing attendees who were as fervent as any Trekkie, and all waiting excitedly for a signed copy of his blockbuster God's Answers book they could then drool over forever as they savored God's cosmic answers to every little thing in life, as told by God to Arlen Faber, who "actually spoke with God"(not!). You will have to see it to fully understand this part.

I totally liked this film for about 5/6th of it, as it's story's cleverness reminded me of the unique and quirky magic of Waitress or Big Fish, or even one of the best Woody Allan tales. But, I thought the ending was flatter and more forced compared to the rest of it, and needed a more inspired and extended premise and execution for fullest success. It seemed rushed and inconsistent with the great buildup to it.

Good magic overall but should have had a more fulfilling ending. It deserved better.