Brad’s Status is the realist movie Ben Stiller has ever chosen to do. Stiller is commonly known as a funny guy, taking the path of humor over humanity more often than not. Whether he’s directing, performing, or both, Stiller’s focus is usually on getting laughs. Once in a blue moon though, he decides to take part in something like Brad’s Status, opting to explore the human condition and all of its complexities. Written and directed by Mike White, Brad’s Status is relatable to anyone adult who is discontent or at the very least, not as content as they should be.
Stiller is Brad, a middle class father and husband who runs a non-profit. Brad is taking a trip with his son Troy to visit the universities he’ll potentially attend. All the while Brad is daunted with feelings of inferiority when he remembers that his son could be going to Harvard, as well as the fact that all of his former college friends seem to be doing better than him in life. The triviality of his problems are not enough to offer him any comfort, thus having a negative effect on their trip. Brad’s Status is a film for those that struggle with insecurity, inadequacy, and for people who live with a need to feel as though they haven’t made the wrong choices in life.
Brad’s Status is the realist movie Ben Stiller has ever chosen to do. Stiller is commonly known as a funny guy
If Mike White never writes or directors another picture again, he will have done himself proud with this one. His dialogue, scenarios, and ability to convey the lesser seen inner workings of the human psyche stand up with the best of this generation’s auteurs. He doesn’t take the audience into deep waters in trying to be too extensive or overly profound. It’s all about relatability. Ben Stiller takes to this astutely. Stiller IS Brad, from the constant internal monologue down to the physical embodiment of the character. His performance is one of a cynical nature, mostly used to mask the very real pain he feels day to day. The world is full of people who have it good, but feel that they should have it better. That is who Brad is, and Ben Stiller brings that off the page immaculately. Austin Abrams and Michael Sheen are deserving of honorable mentions, both serving a purpose on Brad’s road of self-discovery but in very different capacities. There’s not a swing and miss really anywhere, but they are who stands out the most.
Before thinking this sounds like an oversell, try to remember that it’s just a movie. Stiller himself has done better and will do better in the future, but saying that Brad’s Status is a rare treat is an understatement. Stiller will always get a greenlight from most studios when it comes to comedies. He’s proven he is funny to a large demographic, and his movies make money. No one is saying he should stop any of that, but at the very least he should consider splitting his time doing movies like this. He’s good at it.
