Let the actor Grin More Often: An Exploration at His Role in the New Film
Good Fortune, the whimsical comedy from comedian Aziz Ansari, is struggling at the box office. Several factors could account for the film's performance: The uninspired title doesn't express its movie's distinctive charm. The screenplay can be preachy and obvious with the messages. Its performances are flat and presentational, as if the cast were reading lines directly from the page. And, the film comes at a time of economic uncertainty and disparity, that may render audiences not very receptive to a story that suggests rich people enjoy all the benefits while those in need have heart.
However, this is what Good Fortune stands out: It's original, bold, imaginative, frequently humorous, and undoubtedly timely. Plus, it provides an unexpectedly great the actor character-driven movie.
Reeves as an Angel: His Typical Portrayal
Personally, I've never considered Reeves a good actor. His flat delivery and consistent look of slight concern has always felt one-note, regardless of his wide range of roles he has played over the last four decades years. Astute directors have placed Reeves in roles in which his rigidity fits perfectly, from his early work to The Matrix to the action series. Yet almost every one of those roles required him to appear tough, distant, and removed.
Throughout Good Fortune, the actor portrays Gabriel, one minor protecting angel assigned with looking after individuals who use their phones when behind the wheel. The character's whole job is remaining in their cars and lightly making contact with the drivers' shoulders as they are about to have an accident, warning them in order that they brake in time. But, when standing overlooking his domain, gazing upon humanity similar to a version of the angel from Wim Wenders' renowned movie Wings of Desire, the character becomes ambitious. He wants to be a great protector and a savior of lost individuals.
A Surprising Turn: Keanu as a Mortal
Therefore, Gabriel presents himself to struggling handyman a character (portrayed by the director), who is residing out of a vehicle and resenting his situation. The angel then swaps Arj into the life of stupidly rich businessman Jeff (acted by the comedian). The idea behind the exercise is for the character would realize Jeff's life comes with major drawbacks, and thankfully return to his original life, much like a character in It's a Wonderful Life.
Issue is, Arj right away discovers how Jeff's problems (boring appointments, a pricey pool-heater invoice) prove negligible and easily solved with wealth. Arj further realizes how being rich opens up limitless chances for pleasurable fun. The character shows zero desire in going back to his previous situation, and the angel is unable to compel Arj to go back. Then, additional bad news comes: For exceeding his duties and messing with the balance of the world, Gabriel is fired as an celestial role, and transformed to a mortal.
A Revelation: Keanu Reeves Grins
Personally, I remained not persuaded by the actor as an angel with big aspirations and a burning desire to make a difference. Reeves turns in a familiar somewhat stiff acting he has consistently offering for at least the past 3 ten-year periods. Watching Reeves in the role of angel who's recently turned human initially, however, was a blast, due to something which really astonished viewers at first: This is an element new for Reeves. Or perhaps more accurately, something old.
Soon during the character's baffling career being a mortal, staying with the wealthy character (who the angel had swapped with Arj's precarious life and underemployed status), the character starts hesitantly experimenting with everyday experiences like eating and swallowing meals. Then the actor smiles. Genuinely, cautiously, joyously beams. (It's a lot much believable than his smile on the promotional image, that looks artificially added.)
Why This Smile Matters
The moment really surprised me to recognize just how unexpected and welcome that expression was. When did we last we saw the actor smile in a film where he was not showing ill will, irony, or resentment? The actor likely attempts a smile somewhere in 2020's ill-conceived the sequel, however I am not returning to that mess to confirm. Reeves has been typecast with grim, violent, broody, or simply serious roles for so long that merely watching Reeves grin felt like seeing an entirely different actor.
While the story goes on, the character finds himself having to get a kitchen position, a role that fails to provide sufficient for survival, and he begins smoking heavily due to frustration. Simply the image of Reeves in a disposable paper food-service cap, with his recent signature locks tied in a plain ponytail, slouching on a wall and smoking a cigarette, proves worth the price of admission. His kitchen worker attire completely alters his appearance and posture: Unexpectedly, the slim, suited action star of the John Wick films becomes gawky, unglamorous, and a lot more relatable.
A Pleasure of Watching Reeves Loosen Up
Good Fortune isn't always enjoyable to watch, especially when the director (that also wrote the script) has to create plausible reasons for {Ar
