Roger Dodger (2002)

good movie

the guy is not quite a pick up artist but more of a jerk that gets girls. October 12, 2008

Roger Dodger - Compelling and Revolting All At Once

The type of character that is portrayed in Roger Dodger is like a lot of guys I have met. I have known guys that slowly drifted into seeking to stroke their egos by sleeping with anybody they could and acting like they were WAY COOLER than they actually were. That is why this portrayal is so amazing. It takes a lot for an actor to portray such a polarizing character this well. This is truly a great film for lovers of great acting.

Some people may relate to this character and find his desperation and antics funny. Others may be revolted by his personality. I am more in the second camp. One thing is for certain, this role was nailed by the lead actor, Campbell Scott.

The Story and the Script

Roger's character is manipulative, egotistical and yet obviously trying to compensate for something. He has an affair with his boss, played by Isabella Rossallini. Yet it's really more like she uses him till she tires of him. As he drifts from bar to bar trying to pick up women with transparent and conceited attempts to seem intelligent and observant, we get to see just how clueless, pathetic and desperate he really is. Oh yeah, this is a NY city story for sure!

When his nephew Nick comes to the city for college interviews, Roger takes him to many places where he shouldn't be. Roger revels in feeling like he has a lot to teach young Nick about women, yet Nick seems to do better just being himself instead of using Roger's sleazy tactics. While I won't give away the entire plot, suffice it to say it's not the story but rather the performances that impress.
In many ways, the supporting cast in particular seems to have been given sparse lines. Yet the acting and direction are so good that the script is perfectly supported.
The Cast

Campbell Scott really opened my eyes with his portrayal of Roger. Somehow he was able to really capture and portray the complicated mix of negative and positive character traits.

Jesse Eisenberg is very impressive, but his part was clearly written in a way that makes it easier to play than Roger's. Isabella Rossallini is wonderful as always.

Yet the roles played by Elizabeth Berkeley and Jennifer Beals are perfect examples of why this film works. On the one hand, they have minimal roles with few lines. Yet the close camera work allows you to see so many non-verbal cues in their faces and gestures. Their roles are minimal, yet highly impactful because of the way they are executed. Roger's co-workers by and large have similarly understated yet effective roles.

Conclusion

I highly recommend this movie to actors and lovers of independent film. If you are a huge fan of dialogue and sharp wit, you will find yourself pulled in to this movie. Definitely check it out.

Enjoy!
July 27, 2008

Shame they forgot about the plot.

A teenager goes to his uncle for help in learning how to seduce women. It's just a shame that the makers of this film forgot about a plot and made the uncle's character a bit of an idiot. I was glad when this film ended. A tedious way to spend 100 minutes. You have been warned.

June 8, 2008

Meat Market

Typical Men on the Make. Uncle showing his Nephew how to pick up women. The Uncle is a real Prick. Jennifer Beals and Elizabeth Berkley are great in it and don't fall for the the jerks lines. June 1, 2008

Cute, Funny and Full of Practical advice for the post-pubescent teenager

Excellent Dialogue, acting, and plot, Rodger Dodger takes us into the developing mind of a sixteen year old boy who's trying to learn how to approach and interact with women. His alcoholic and jaded uncle shows him the ropes in New York City and takes him out for a night of incredible skirt-chasing he'll never forget.

The primary focus of the movie is on dialogue, and I'd definitely label it a comedy so be sure to turn up the volume and listen to every exchange offered, it'll keep you laughing from start to finish. April 21, 2008

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