The Visitor

The Visitor



Now, while Milk is racking up the box office receipts (the 8 o'clock showing was sold out!), The Visitor will probably remain a little-watched film despite Richard Jenkins' wonderful performance. In fact, I'm starting to think that MX and I are the only people who watched this movie. I actually saw this way back when, before I even knew there was a fuss, but this is really a little gem of a picture. Telling the story of the emotionally-numb professor who goes to New York City to present at a conference, only to discover two undocumented immigrants living in his apartment, the film touches on important issues in a completely unpretentious and unassuming way.

Mr Jenkins' scenes with Hiam Abbass, who plays his house guest's mother, are especially touching. The film is quiet and understated, but somehow really makes an impact. The story itself is rather raw, and makes no effort tie up all the ends neatly in a Hollywood ending. But the audience is prepared for this, and understands that in the end, this film is a portrait of reality.