The Humbling
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The Humbling
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Humbling stars Al Pacino as an aging actor who becomes involved with a much younger woman (Greta Gerwig). They have frank discussions about sex, especially her past relationships with women and her extensive collection of sex toys (in one scene she plays with one under the covers). There's kissing, and a threesome is depicted as a shadowy encounter. Expect moderate drinking and some swearing, including "f--k" and "s--t," plus one near-suicide and a description of sexual abuse. Several discussions center on a transsexual character's transition and gender identity.
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What's the Story?
Simon Axler (Al Pacino) is an aging stage actor who's lost his groove and spends most of his time moping around the house -- until he takes up with a friend's much younger daughter (Greta Gerwig). The relationship proves an inspiration, prompting a revitalized passion for life and acting. The only complication is that it's not entirely clear that everything happening to Simon, much of which viewers hear about as he recounts events to his therapist, is actually real.
Is It Any Good?
Pacino is the emotional anchor of THE HUMBLING. Though he's been known to oversell his roles, here he folds into himself. It's a muted performance that sometimes works but often doesn't. Not much happens in the film, and what does occur seems less exciting to viewers because Pacino seems so uninterested in what he's doing. The Humbling begins with a sequence that feels otherworldly and not quite real, and questions about what's actually happening and what's in Simon's head will linger to the end. But will the audience care? Probably not.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Humbling depicts Simon's mental status. How much of the film do you think is really happening to him, and how much is in his head? Is any of it real?
Do Simon and Pegeen seem like a believable couple? How does the significant age gap affect their relationship? How does theirs compare with other May-December romances you've seen in the movies and on TV?
What role does sex play in the movie? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 23, 2015
- On DVD or streaming: March 3, 2015
- Cast: Al Pacino, Greta Gerwig, Dianne Wiest, Charles Grodin
- Director: Barry Levinson
- Studio: Millennium Entertainment
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 113 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: sexual material, language and brief violence
- Last updated: March 1, 2022
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Lost in Translation
Excellent but mature film about finding a connection.
For kids who love drama
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