Being Flynn
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Uneven, mature drama is too edgy for younger kids.
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Being Flynn
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What's the Story?
In this dramedy directed by Paul Weitz and inspired by author Nick Flynn's memoir Another Bulls--t Night in Suck City, it's not easy BEING FLYNN -- neither Jonathan (Robert De Niro), a taxi driver who's been working on his Great American Novel and is convinced he's the best there is, nor his son, Nick (Paul Dano), a promising writer with no life plan. Father and son haven't seen each other in nearly two decades, even after Nick's doting but melancholy mother (Julianne Moore) committed suicide. But after being evicted from his apartment, with no one to help him move his things, Jonathan calls Nick to ask for assistance. Nick helps, and Jonathan disappears once more -- only to show up at the homeless shelter where Nick works.
Is It Any Good?
One thing Being Flynn gets right: casting. With De Niro as Jonathan and Dano as Nick, the movie is steeped in strong performances that make up for many of its short list of ills. De Niro flexes his muscles and reminds us, with a portrayal marked by subtlety and grace and intensity (in all the right places), why he has long been considered one of the industry's best. The supporting cast is also iron strong. And the film's depiction of the homeless is suffused with empathy and effort rarely seen these days in Hollywood movies; there's no judgment.
It's also worth applauding Weitz's decision to tell the story through an interesting narrative lens, with voiceovers and perspectives from both Jonathan and Nick. At times, the film loses its balance because of this juggling act, but not often. What's unclear, however, is why Nick is so forgiving of Jonathan. Is he truly that generous, or is he simply unwilling to examine how he feels about the situation? While Jonathan feels fully formed, Nick is still an enigma, and that feels a bit like a loss.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Being Flynn's messages. Is it a positive story overall, or a negative one? Can Nick forgive his father?
The movie is based on a memoir; how accurate do you think it is to what happened to the writer in real life? Why might filmmakers (or the author himself, for that matter) have changed facts to tell the story?
How does Being Flynn compare to other movies in which parents reunite with their children? Does it add anything new to the genre?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 2, 2012
- On DVD or streaming: July 10, 2012
- Cast: Julianne Moore , Olivia Thirlby , Paul Dano , Robert De Niro
- Director: Paul Weitz
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Bisexual actors
- Studio: Focus Features
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship
- Run time: 102 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language throughout, some sexual content, drug use, and brief nudity
- Last updated: April 22, 2023
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