Comments on: You Can Count On Me (2000)

By: Joe Valdez

Joe Valdez — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:18:45 +0000

Christian: No argument about Kenneth Lonergan’s script. Simple story, very complicated characters, even the kid. It’s rare you see a kid as decent as Rudy in a mainstream movie. Instead of acting goofy or coming across younger than his age, you see him trying to figure adults out and his place in the world. Beautiful stuff.

By: christian

christian — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:32:33 +0000

This might be my favorite script of the decade so far, along with the performances. A terrible title for a great film.

Where the hell is Margaret? My friend worked on the film three years ago…

By: Daniel

Daniel — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:51:37 +0000

Ah yes, that scene does sound familiar now. I remember Ruffalo having to find his bearings. I think it’s a fine category, by the way. There are plenty of movies that have bathtub scenes!

And thanks, I fortunately wasn’t hurt. I’m not the type to pick a fight if the odds are stacked against me. They got some cash from me and pushed me around a little bit, but that’s it. I suppose it happens to anyone if you’re a city dweller (this was in Boston, incidentally) for long enough.

By: Joe Valdez

Joe Valdez — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:06:10 +0000

Daniel: I had the impression you were a guy who went to the downtown arthouse, but I hope nobody was hurt and you didn't have much cash on you when you were mugged. As for the bathtub scene, it features Ruffalo when he first arrives at the house. He looks over at the matching towels and has a sort of "Where am I?" moment. Thanks for noticing my categories, I'm coming up with new ones all the time, so if you have any suggestions, let me know. Moviezzz: I saw You Can Count On Me in the theater as well and didn't revisit it until a couple of weeks ago. It holds up very well. It's probably the best directorial debut you could expect. The casting and strength of the performances is the first indication that Lonergan knew what he was doing, and for $1.5 million, he got some terrific production value in the town of Phoenicia. Thanks for commenting.

By: Moviezzz

Moviezzz — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:05:05 +0000

Loved this film as well.

Especially that scene on the bench, with the two of them talking. Ruffalo is excellent in this.

It is one I’ve been meaning to watch again as I haven’t seen it since the theatre, yet I remember the film enough that, maybe I shouldn’t watch it again.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:13:05 +0000

A great little film. Unfortunately it lives on in memory in a somewhat negative light as I was mugged on the way home from the theater. On the bright side, I remember watching Mark Ruffalo and thinking “Who is this guy? He must be one to watch.” I think he still is.

Regarding the film itself, well I guess I can only say I found it more touching than a more recent comedic version also starring Linney, last year’s The Savages.

“bathtub scene”? Hmm…I don’t remember…