Ever since Jesse Eisenberg came to audience’s attention with films such as Adventure Land, Zombie Land, and of course his Oscar nominated performance as Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network, viewers worldwide have become accustomed to his sharp wit and sometimes somewhat condescending characters. In his latest film The Art of Self-Defense we get to see a familiar and relatable character although not so similar to his usual parts.
Eisenberg takes on the role of Casey Davies, and like many of his prior appearances on screen, this character though timid as he’s played so many times before, seems to exude no real backbone at all. Overlooked by most and walked over by many including his co-workers, Casey is a simple accountant with no real confidence, ambition, or arguably even a life. With nothing and no one apart from his dachshund, it feels as though he is ultimately heading nowhere. Everything changes when he’s attacked by a group of men riding motorcycles and then left lying on the ground wishing they had just finished the job. In taking time off from work to recover, he decides to enrol in a local karate class to learn how to protect himself. Once there he’s taken under the wing of ‘Sensei’, who seems to be everything that Casey is not: strong, charismatic, and sure of himself.
Although things begin well they soon take a turn for the worse, eventually spiralling out of control up to a point of Casey discovering a dark secret. “Dark” itself is actually one the tones of the movie. Though there’s many comedic aspects and things to be found humorous throughout, the beauty of this flick is in its undertones. Through the lines of the comedy are much higher stakes, as well as inherently disturbing themes. ‘Toxic masculinity’ is certainly highlighted among the ideas present.
The Art of Self-Defense is unpredictable, and leaves the audience guessing as to whether it is even ok to laugh or to be in shock, or both.
Riley Stearns is to thank for this concept, and brings this film out as his newest feature with much to be said about his directing style and his writing. Stearns’ structure is not typical of comedies, or even that of black comedies. The film is unpredictable, and leaves the audience guessing as to whether it is even ok to laugh or to be in shock, or both. The satire is well written, and serves as a commentary on what constitutes real masculinity in a healthy sense as opposed to what is self-destructive and by extension, just flat out wrong. As these are ideas are already taking shape in the current climate, this film is one that will be talked about by not only those in the industry but also those who view the work.
Other players warranted applause for their contributions, namely that of Imogen Poots who plays Anna and of course our ‘Sensei’ played by Alessandro Nivola, both of whom share strong scenes with Eisenberg throughout, but also with each other, their relationship with one another being a crucial plot device and key to the overall concept. Many say that behind every great man is a great woman, though it seems in this case it may be the opposite as Anna’s character is likely the solution to many of the problems that lie in front of Casey. As Sensei is the most apparent example of masculinity in the film, it often requires a character such as Anna to bring the rest of us back down to earth, and Imogen Poots was more than up to the task in this venture often stealing the screen with her grit. Alessandro Nivola’s portrayal of Sensei is definitely someone audiences have seen before, but perhaps not in this light, which then of course makes for an interesting performance. Eisenberg must also not be forgotten as the film’s lead, and he is definitely journeying into some new territory with a picture like this, teaching himself new tricks and adding new faces to his repertoire.
Much could be said, but most important is this: this film is interesting. Movies like this aren’t all that common, and Stearns is most certainly doing some things different onscreen. Take some time if time is available to give this one a look. It’s currently up for purchase and is available on Amazon Prime.
