Going
into Charly, I wasn't sure what to expect. This is a film with LDS themes, and
while I am not Mormon, I am very familiar with the gospel. In fact, I happen to
be married to a wonderful woman who is a member of the church. When I heard about
the plot to this movie (based on the novel of the same name), I must admit, I
was intrigued.
Charly
is the name of one of this film's main characters, a fun loving New Yorker who's
life drastically changes after taking a trip to good old Salt Lake City Ut. While
there, she meets Sam, a straight as an arrow member of the church. Before long,
the two find themselves drawn to each other despite very different backgrounds.
The
obvious happens in the very first act of this film, and my first instinct was
to walk out of the movie because I didn't buy it for a second. In fact, the first
forty minutes or so of Charly really didn't ring true to me. It felt rushed and
it was almost if chunks of the story seemed to be missing. Thankfully, I stuck
around.
Charly
does grow into something much deeper, even if it's final act is quite reminiscent
of the 70's tearjerker Love Story. The fact is that the performances really ring
true with such sincerity, that much of the climax was painful and uncomfortable
to watch.
Jeremy
Elliot is quite stiff as Sam but he does loosen up as the film progresses. Charly
belongs to actress Heather Beers. I've never seen her before, but I'm sure she'll
go places after studio heads see her in this. Even while the early goings-on in
this picture leave a bit to be desired, Beers gives a lively, textured performance
that lifts this character above the norm. Her final moments in this picture range
from sincere to absolutely heartbreaking.
What
I liked most about Charly was it's attempt at giving a balanced outlook at the
church. While the first act did feel a bit preachy, the story switches gears,
and I was surprised to find myself won over. Ultimately, this film avoids treating
Sam like a saint. He, like everyone, is flawed. At one point in the picture, he
even questions his own faith, which I found quite bold. It is these honest moments
that thankfully over shadow the sticky, pretentious stuff. I'm still waiting for
someone to make a film about a couple who both have different beliefs, but still
have a happy, healthy relationship. Believe me, when I tell you, that sort of
thing does exist. Maybe someday, I can tell that story.
Ultimately,
Charly went in a direction I wasn't expecting. A direction that most of us can
relate to. For that, I applaud this well intentioned movie.
