Jack Goes Boating

It is a bit ironic that a blog which promises to "review and critique some of history's greatest films" would start with an analysis of 'Jack Goes Boating'. This quirky romantic comedy flew well below the radar in a year highlighted by Inception, The King's Speech, and The Social Network.

Being Philip Seymour Hoffman's directorial debut, I made a personal vow to see it. I have been a fan of Philip ever since he was the chubby tornado enthusiast in 'Twister'. His four film span with one of my favorite directors, Paul Thomas Anderson, earned him a special place in my heart. Would Philip parallel his acting abilities with a strong directorial effort?

It came as no surprise that this film was based on a 2007 off-Broadway play by the same name. Minimal main characters and minimal settings set up a nice atmosphere to watch one couple grow closer as one grew apart. While the acting was not far from top-notch, some of the subject matter fell flat.

Jack Goes Boating is the story of Jack, a limo driver who agrees to be set up on a blind date. Jack is set up on this date by his friend Clyde who is a fellow limo driver. Jack and his date Connie hit it off as best as two thirty-something, awkward date-less wonders can. Connie's retelling of her father's death is enough to make a normal man back away slowly.

While the Jack/Connie relationship grows and thrives, the Clyde marriage begins to disintegrate. It was Clyde's time on screen that I enjoyed the most. The shot of the back of their heads, as Clyde explains how a man can grow to accept that his wife has cheated, was inspired. The Clyde/Lucy dynamic at the dinner party was interesting to watch as well.


The falling flat happened through Jack and Connie. While the dinner scene tantrum was very well-acted, I just did not believe this emotion and outburst was coming from this man. A lot of Connie's dialogue in the bedroom seemed exaggerated. I did buy, however, Clyde's quick descent into drugs and paranoia at the dinner party as illustrated by his invitation to the Cannoli after an impromptu binge. I especially loved that Lucy joined in on this binge with little hesitation.

Overall, any flaw about this picture did not arise from acting or direction- it was flaws in the body of work itself. This is not a play I would typically rush out and see, and the reason for the film anticipation came from the Hoffman aspect. I am very eager to watch the entirety of this man's career. As a footnote, I will quickly rank my three favorite Hoffman roles. Until next time, keep watchin!

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