Beginners is a 2010 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Mike Mills. It tells the story of Oliver, a man reflecting on the life and death of his father, Hal, while trying to forge a new romantic relationship with a woman, Anna, dealing with father issues of her own.
Beginners premiered at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival, where the Los Angeles Times heralded it as a "heady, heartfelt film" with a cast who has "a strong sense of responsibility to their real-world counterparts". Plummer received numerous accolades, including the 2011 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for his performance.
Plot[]
The film is structured as a series of interconnected flashbacks. Following the death of his father Hal, Oliver reflects on their relationship following the death of Oliver's mother, Georgia. Shortly after her death, Hal came out to his son and began exploring life as an openly gay man. He becomes active in the gay community, finds love and becomes more honest with himself and with his son. As a result, Oliver and Hal become closer during this time. Shortly after Hal's death, Oliver meets Anna, a French actress, at a party. Inspired by his father's attitude towards the end of his life and their relationship, Oliver decides to pursue a romance with her.
Cast[]
- Ewan McGregor as Oliver Fields
- Christopher Plummer as Hal Fields, Oliver's father
- Mélanie Laurent as Anna Wallace, a French actress with whom Oliver begins a love affair
- Goran Višnjić as Andy, Hal's much younger lover
- Mary Page Keller as Georgia Fields, Oliver's mother
- Kai Lennox as Elliot, Oliver's friend and co-worker
- China Shavers as Shauna, Oliver's friend and co-worker
- Cosmo as Arthur
Trailer[]
Beginners (2011) - Official Trailer