The Last Word Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
A man (Bentley) who makes his living composing other people's suicide notes enters into a romance with the sister (Ryder) of a recent client.
| Wes Bentley | Evan |
| Winona Ryder | Charlotte |
| Ray Romano | |
| Katherine Boecher | Clara |
| Brendan Miller | Brent |
| Kurt Caceres | Sammy |
| Michael Cornacchia | Client |
| Paul Haasch | Matty |
| Edwin L. Marshall | Barfly |
| Kal Parekh | Club dancer |
| Allan Rich | Francis |
| Zef Shalaj | I-Pod Guy |
| A.J. Trauth | Greg |
| Gina Hecht | Hilde Morris |
| Mickey Mickey | Robin |
| Geoffrey Haley |
6.80 out of 10 (141 votes)
Visitor Reviews
I don't even know what to title this, it was so bad.
posted on 27 Jul 2009There are some movies that might not really do it for you, but have some redeeming value; The Last Word is not one them. The premise was great, a guy, Even (Wes Bentley) who writes professional suicide notes, and ends up getting involved with a sister of a former client, Charlotte (Winona Ryder). The idea is that the notes Even writes are supposed to be be deep, beautiful poetry, because its the last thing his clients are going to "say" after they're gone. But when you put beautiful poetry next to a bad script, poorly delivered lines, choppy cinematography, and a capricious soundtrack, whatever intelligence the premise had going for it is flushed down the drain. This movie didn't know if it wanted to be a romantic comedy, or an intense drama. Whenever I thought it was going to settle one way or another, either the script would contradict the tone set by the actors, the soundtrack would contradict the script, or a joke would contradict the drama, basically the the movie proceeded to step on its toes one bad scene after another.I could go into more detail and give away spoilers, but to be honest, thinking about this movie is starting to give me a headache. Watch it for yourself, and judge, but if you're looking for an intense drama with a few well placed laughs, go watch Brick, or Better Off Tomorrow.
Different
posted on 07 Jul 2009If you just want the same old romantic comedy, this movie is not for you. It's a bit dark, a bit weird, but totally entertaining. Fresh, surprising and not formulaic. This movie definitely has a bit of everything - some odd comic relief and some touching moments and some romance and even a few things to get you thinking.I loved Wes Bentley in American Beauty and I rented this movie just for him. He did not disappoint - he's a little off-kilter, but in the best possible way. Perfect in the role of Evan - strange but endearing.Winona Ryder, on the other hand, was miscast as Charlotte. I like her and think she's very talented, and I didn't think she ruined the movie. But she wasn't quite right either, and I think this would have worked even better than it did with someone else in her role.But that's a minor complaint. If you're wondering whether to see this, go for it. You'll be glad that you did. I certainly was.
Good drama with some laughs
posted on 11 Jun 2009I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It had my complete attention from the opening and onward until the credits. Its a decent film to watch with a significant other if you cant talk her into Rambo 7.It leans more toward the drama side of things but definitely had some good laughs. It was casted well, as for I believe it was well acted. I cant really complain about much in this one.Romano lends himself to a great comedic supporting role to liven up the dark portrayal of the lead character; equating to a great balance in the movie.The ending was definitely fitting and made the movie end on a rather positive note; considering the movie takes you on a darker walk through out it was nice to see things summed up the way they were.
Well acted and Well liked
posted on 28 May 2009I really enjoyed the movie overall... I thought the character development was great and each actor suited their role very well.The movie flowed nicely and had a touch of almost everything. Comedy, romance, sadness, and happiness.I REALLY did not like the ending, although I am one who like nice and tidy endings with love all over. I would have rather had Evan and Charlotte be together than watching Evans heart break inside his chest.That honestly is my only critique of the movie.I enjoyed seeing Ray Romono in a serious role for once. He did well and although he was considering suicide and was soo unhappy with his life he was the one who brought comedy to the film.It was the first time I have ever seen Wes Bentley in a role and I thought he did a great job.
Black Romantic Comedy that works
posted on 24 Jan 2009Wes Bentley (American Beauty) stars as Evan, a very solitary guy who writes suicide notes for other people. At a funeral for one of his clients he meets Charlotte (played by Winona Ryder) who forms an instant attraction to him.This movie is about their relationship and how their relationship influences and changes Evan's life. All the characters are well developed and realized, and the actors portray them very well. The movie is an original and clever take on the usual romantic comedy. Due to Evan's vocation, it is a dark movie. I think "Black romantic comedy" defines its genre well. The movie seemed very real despite the fact that it centers around a vocation that doesn't really exist (at least on the surface of today's society). It was funny and well written. I highly recommend it for anybody who is looking for a romantic comedy that is out of the ordinary.
sad & depressing BUT somehow it works
posted on 24 Jan 2009This film was written & directed by Geoffrey Haley.I must commend him for creating 3 fine main characters & casting the right actors in each role.This is a somewhat sad & depressing movie, with very little humor. Somehow it actually works, I watched with keen interest the quirky goings on. Winona Ryder, who has having career other real life problems is back & she is just great, I do hope she continues getting more important roles.Wes Bently who started out like a ball of fire in American Beauty, then had trouble finding decent roles is equally good. He is a fine actor & deserves good roles, more like this.Ray Romano in a dramatic role (for a change) proves that he an do more the the comedy roles he does on TV>These 3 & the remaining cast members make you pay attention & listen.There is only one action scene towards the end it helps us understand a puzzling plot point.this is not a major film by any means, rent it & see it, I think you may like it like I did.Ratings: *** (out of 4) 82 points(out of 100) IMDb 7 (out of 10)
Sundance Review
posted on 16 Jul 2008This is the finest comedy/drama I've seen in a couple of years, and it has the most satisfying ending I've ever seen. The film stars Wes Bentley (ironically, Haley shot the famous videotape of the plastic bag that Bentley shows to Thora Birch in "American Beauty") as Evan, who is a professional author of suicide notes. He meets with his clients, gets a sense of what they want, then asks them to keep a journal of their thoughts for a few weeks, after which Evan produces a poetic, client-customized suicide note for the soon-to-be-departed. He has become so prolific that one of his clients won a national poetry prize for Evan's note; the ever-mordant Evan is quick to add that the prize was, of course, awarded posthumously.Evan estimates that 30% of his clients actually kill themselves; one who does is a young man named Matt Morris. When Evan attends Matt's funeral---he often attends the graveside service to evaluate the effect of his note on those in attendance---, Matt's sister Charlotte (Winona Ryder) follows him out of the service and asks him if he was a friend of her brother's. Evan lies that he went to Cornell with Matt, and soon he and Charlotte are dating. Trouble ensues when Evan eats dinner at Charlotte's house with the whole surviving family firing questions at him.Meanwhile, we meet Evan's newest client, Abel (an excellent Ray Romano), an acerbic misanthrope with a death wish. They develop an unlikely bond, and there are some extremely touching (and hilarious) exchanges between the two as they work on Abel's farewell (in one such conversation, Abel, encouraging Evan to pursue Charlotte, tells him to buy her a puppy: "Girls love puppies. They're like heroin with fur!").Things get complicated between Evan and Charlotte as he has must go to increasingly absurd lengths to conceal his true occupation and the real reason that he knew her brother. I won't reveal any more of the plot, because this is a ride truly to be enjoyed by the moviegoer.Bentley fulfills the promise he showed in "American Beauty." He manages to imbue his characteristic monotone and piercing gaze with enough hints of emotion to reveal the depths of grief churning below his icy surface. Romano shows surprising dramatic range while retaining his trademark wit; it will be interesting to see if he continues to try to stretch his acting range. (On a side note, he admitted in the post-film Q&A that his psychiatrist reads the script before Romano will commit to any project.) Ryder is the only weak link here. She does a competent job, her doe eyes signaling the hurt over her brother's death that is only worsened by Evan's seeming callousness, but her acting doesn't rise to the level of her co- stars. Thankfully, it is really Bentley and Romano's film, and they make the most of it.This is an astounding first feature from Haley, who wrote the screenplay in his trailer during breaks while lensing the final season of "Six Feet Under." Although he hasn't yet struck a distribution deal, potential buyers in yesterday's audience could not ignore the thunderous ovation that met the closing credits. Go see this one when it comes out in a theater near you, which it will. You won't be disappointed.
The Last Word is Strange and all the others are F Bombs
posted on 31 May 2008This is a very strange movie about a guy...a very strange guy...who makes his living as a freelance writer of suicide notes for other people. Very dark most of the time with bizarre bits of comedy thrown in thanks to the presence of Ray Romano of all people (Everybody Loves Suicide, I guess). Although you think he'll only be around for a walk on (and kill off) he's around for most of the film and really makes the picture with his deadpan delivery of some wacky but very funny lines that are all the funnier because of the bleakness of the film surrounding them and the context plus his delivery. Romano is a human Eeyore and this film is a perfect foil for him.One joke is very vulgar but (I'm ashamed to admit) I found it very funny, thus the R rating, but most of it is probably from a liberal use of the "F" bomb.Very unsettling, very odd, and all the more surreal because it's also very funny. Worth watching for the (to me) surprise ending alone. Which is appropriate as a last word for this film.
Excellent drama
posted on 23 Feb 2008Comedy? No, folks, there are no laughs here. Great ending? Hah! The bit of relief at the end weighs like a feather compared to the darkness of the movie as a whole. This is a drama, a dark one, with suicide and love deceived and betrayed constantly in the background, yet the plot is compelling, and love tries to wriggle its way to the surface amid the human refuse. An excellent script, particularly if this is the writer's first. Strong, touching performances by Wes Bentley, Winona Ryder and Ray Romano. Don't see it when you're looking for some light entertainment for the evening. But when you're ready for something serious and something that might stick in your mind, see it then. There won't be many movies of its quality this year.
Hated this film
posted on 26 Aug 2009I love Ray Romano but this movie was way too dark for me and there was too much swearing in it. I'm not usually one for censorship but I find that this movie was odd. I had never heard of Wes Bentley before - even though it says he was in American Beauty - but he isn't an actor I'd search out again. Winona is usually very polished and maybe it was her character. I hadn't seen it advertised anywhere either. Maybe it is an independent film. The music was great. I enjoyed the "music" Abel created in his studio and the compositions were nice - even after I realized what the movie was about. I have seen Gina Hecht in other pieces and she does a nice job. The rest of the family was dysfunctional and maybe that is why I didn't like this movie. Very odd film.I HATED THIS FILM.