THE VISITOR *****

A couple of reviews ago I said that Frozen River is one of those rare movies that comes along and reassures you that there are good, original movies still being made. Well, it must have been a good past year, because I now have The Visitor to hopefully pursue you to check out.

Although very different story wise, Frozen River and The Visitor take you on a subtle journey in the lives of two different people both striving to make sense of the people they meet unwillingly and how they will interact with people socially different than them.

Walter Vale(Richard Jenkins) is a sad and lonely washed up college professor who is dealing with the loss of his wife. When he is told by a colleague that he has to go to New York to present a paper, he refuses to comply because he says he basically put his name on the paper as a favor to the author and has never even read it. He unwillingly agrees and leaves for New York. Upon his arrival to the apartment he owns in the city, a place he hasn't been to in many months, he walks in on a couple living in his pad.

That unmarried couple is Tarek(Haaz Sleiman), a Syrian djembe player, and Zainab(Danai Jekesai Gurira), ethnic jewelry designer who both are illegal immigrants. They explain they were told no one was living there and were allowed to stay for awhile. Walter tells them they need to leave, but after watching them out his window and realizing they have no place to go he goes outside to tell them they can stay with him for a few days.

Over that short period Walter and Tarek connect over his drum playing. In some very pivotal moments, Tarek teaches Walter how to play the djembe and the unlikely relationship turns into a premature friendship. After playing in the park one day, Tarek is stopped by security in the subway for what is called turnstile jumping. This is the moment where post 9-11 comes into play and the discrimination story begins.

What we witness in the second have of the movie is Walter trying his hardest to stop the detention center from sending Terek back to his homeland. Terek's mother Mouna(Hiam Abbass) comes from Detroit in hopes of seeing her son and stays with Walter until he can hopefully be released. Walter and Mouna share a connection that is perfectly contrived and beautifully progressive.

I loved every scene in this movie from start to finish. What director Thomas McCarthy is able to provide the audience on screen is a trip through the lives of very different people, trying to live their lives in present day America and how when paths cross unexpectedly you can either lend a hand or turn your back.

Richard Jenkins is powerful as Walter in the least powerful way an actor could be. Some would say his performance lacked emotion, but that's what makes this character succeed to finding what is left for him in his life. Sometimes playing a subtle role of mixed emotions like sadness and loneliness is an achievement not many actors are able to accomplish. Sleiman, Gurira and Abbass are all fabulous also in their respected roles. The language and affection they employ on screen is exquisite.

The Visitor is proof that it doesn't take much to get your point across on screen. Watching a depressed, middle age man might bore many viewers. However, if you can leave understanding the effect you can have on reaching out to someone you maybe generally avoid, I think you will appreciate this sentimental story.

NOW ON DVD