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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Reign Over Me
This highly intense and poignant drama intertwines the stories of two men. Adam Sandler is phenomenal as Charlie Fineman and exceeds all expectations of his dramatic abilities. His talent in comedy is well known, but now he adds a new genre to his list of accomplishments. And Don Cheadle is excellent as always and brings a very sincere quality to his role of Alan Johnson, a man who is conflicted in a different way than Charlie Fineman.
Sandler turns in an Oscar worthy performance and deserves recognition for his role. Charlie Fineman is a man whose family was killed on 9/11 and who blocks out all memories and associations concerning them. It is his only way of dealing with his grief and sorrow. His heart is completely shattered and at times doesn’t seem like it is at all repairable. He is a completely broken and defeated man.
Alan Johnson is his old college roommate who, after all these years, rekindles their relationship and ends up putting all his energy into healing –or trying to heal - his friend. He sees Charlie regularly and even though Charlie is somewhat eccentric and definitely troubled, Alan realizes that his friend is still going through post traumatic stress syndrome. Seeing the deep heartache Charlie is living with, Alan seeks out ways to help Charlie regain his full life.
Charlie immerses himself in the music of the 70s and 80s and everything that came before his life with his wife and three daughters. As a matter of fact, the title of the movie is taken from an old song by The Who. Charlie retreats to the time before his family was part of his life. That is the only way he can get through the days. “I love the character [Sandler] created,” writer/director Mike Binder says. “It’s original. …There’s a humility about the character that makes me laugh.”
Alan’s wife (Jada Pinkett Smith) is at times bothered by all the time and attention her husband is giving to Charlie, but soon realizes the depth of despair and suffering the man is going through. “At the beginning of their relationship,” says Cheadle, “Alan’s not trying to help Charlie – Alan’s trying to help Alan.” Alan’s whole life is his work and his family, and he finally finds a friend with whom he can do thing outside of his home and actually have some fun. “He’s found an outlet, somebody he can kick with – and he hasn’t had that for a long time. He needs that,” Cheadle explains. But little by little he sees that he must do something to help his friend besides just kicking around with him.
Reign Over Me is a highly charged dramatic story with award-caliber performances. If you thought Adam Sandler could only make you laugh, you are in for a surprise. He can make you cry and feel the pain of grief and suffering. And Don Cheadle is wonderful as always. The film is rated R for language and some sexual references.
© 2007 Francine Brokaw
All pictures ©Sony Pictures. Photo: Tracy Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
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