When discussing what made Philip Seymour Hoffman one of the versatile and highly effective actors of the previous 35 years, his comedic expertise is usually not talked about. Most individuals bear in mind him for his intense portrayals of anger, disappointment and a clumsy but charming demeanor.
He was one of many few actors who may play nearly any position, from offering comedian reduction in Tornado to embodying ethical compromise in his Oscar-winning flip as Truman Capote in Capote. Though he tended towards dramatic roles, he typically took on comedic roles in movies similar to Flawless and Charlie Wilson’s Battle.
His most memorable comedic efficiency, nevertheless, was in Alongside Got here Polly, the place he stole the present from stars like Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston.
Hoffman perfects the position of a failed loser
Alongside Got here Polly follows Reuben (Stiller), a prudish threat assessor at an insurance coverage firm, who falls in love with Polly (Aniston), a carefree and spontaneous lady, after he’s cheated on by his new spouse, Lisa (Debra Messing).
The movie’s plot is a typical romantic comedy, with the same old opposites-attract plotline, however the casting decisions for the 2 leads don’t fairly work. Ben Stiller’s character is just too convincingly pathetic, and Jennifer Aniston’s portrayal of a free-spirited hippie feels compelled, making their chemistry fall flat.
The movie beneficial properties in enjoyment when the main focus shifts to its supporting characters, similar to Alec Baldwin as Reuben’s over-the-top boss and Hank Azaria because the eccentric French suitor who takes Lisa away. However the actual star is Philip Seymour Hoffman, who performs Sandy Lyle, Reuben’s finest good friend.
Sandy is a former youngster star who rose to fame in a teen film (clearly impressed by The Breakfast Membership, because the movie’s poster suggests) however later in life crashed and burned. He now lives off his former success whereas performing in native theater, carrying himself with a mixture of hubris and desperation.
Regardless of his loud, brash, and ignorant conduct, Sandy is a loyal good friend who will do something to assist the individuals he cares about, even when his efforts are misplaced.
The movie’s funniest moments come from the distinction between Sandy’s overconfidence and his precise incompetence, and Hoffman portrays these scenes with ardour and humor.
Sandy’s inflated self-confidence types the idea of his character
Sandy’s conduct is pushed by an inflated sense of self-confidence that contrasts together with his clumsy and awkward mannerisms. He strikes like a wind-up toy that hardly holds collectively, pushed by a determined have to show himself.
Deep down, Sandy is aware of he’s a multitude, however he covers it up with bravado that makes him each unbearable and endearing. This dynamic is finest illustrated within the movie’s most well-known scene: the basketball sport. Sandy and Reuben play catch with two greater boys, regardless of Reuben’s reluctance.
Sandy, filled with false confidence, drives the opposite gamers to play, unaware that each he and Reuben are horrible on the sport. Though the scene is remembered for Reuben getting soaked in sweat by his opponent, the actual spotlight is Sandy’s disastrous efficiency on the sphere.
His dribbling is horrible, his taking pictures type is a multitude and he continuously calls for the ball even when he’s clearly not open. The funniest half is when Sandy shouts ridiculous phrases like “OLD SCHOOL” and “WHITE CHOCOLATE” earlier than lacking his pictures in essentially the most humiliating means.
Sandy’s hubris additionally comes via in smaller moments. In a single scene, Sandy loudly publicizes his attraction whereas standing in a crowded elevator at an artwork gallery. Later, he has an embarrassing accident that I will not describe.
In one other scene, Sandy, who performs Judas in an area manufacturing of Jesus Christ Celebrity, insists that he must also play Jesus in a twin position, with out contemplating how impractical or disrespectful that might be to the opposite actors.
One of many funniest moments is when Reuben and Sandy are having pizza and Sandy is giving horrible relationship recommendation whereas stealing Reuben’s pizza slice to grease his personal.
He would not even attempt to reassure Reuben that the date will go properly, as an alternative predicting that it’ll finish badly (and he is proper), however nonetheless helps Reuben in his personal means. This scene completely captures Sandy’s mixture of misplaced superiority and surprising emotional assist, and Hoffman makes certain that Sandy is extra than simply comedian reduction.
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s considerate method to Sandy
There is a saying that actors ought to method comedy with the identical seriousness as they method drama, and Philip Seymour Hoffman embodies this precept in Alongside Got here Polly. All Sandy actually needs is a few actual validation, and watching him obtain it on the movie’s climax is essentially the most emotionally satisfying second of the film.
Reuben has an important assembly a few consumer he needs to insure however can’t attend, so he asks Sandy to fill in for him, pretending to be his associate. Sandy, clearly out of his factor, offers a self-important and rambling speech a few consumer he is aware of nothing about, awkwardly wearing a swimsuit and appearing like an over-the-top sports activities coach.
Simply when it looks like all is misplaced, one of many board members acknowledges Sandy from his outdated movie and compliments his presentation, which ends up in the consumer being insured. The end result is absurd, however the reward is value it to see Sandy’s response.
He tries to cover his pleasure at lastly being acknowledged for his expertise, which makes it essentially the most heartfelt second in the complete movie. Hoffman offers Sandy extra depth, making him greater than only a comedic character, and makes the viewers want they might see him play each Judas and Jesus on the similar time. Philip Seymour Hoffman was really a grasp at portraying each the very best and worst of humanity.
Alongside Got here Polly is offered to stream on Netflix within the US
