Larry Crowne
Directed by Tom Hanks
- comedy
- romance
- drama
The story
When he suddenly finds himself without his long-standing blue-collar job, Larry Crowne enrolls at his local college to start over. There, he becomes part of an eclectic community of students and develops a crush on his teacher.
What it’s like
Bright, sunny Southern California light fills most of this film, with warm daylight in suburban yards, a cluttered garage, and a community college campus that looks open and friendly rather than institutional. The frames are conventional and steady, mostly medium shots and two-shots at kitchen tables and in classrooms, with the camera settling in while people talk. Colors lean warm and soft: pastel houses, a diner's cream and chrome, the faded blue of a scooter. The score is light and bouncy, with easygoing guitar and piano that suits a sunny afternoon. The vibe is cheerful, gently wistful and low-key, with comedy that stays warm and never cruel. It suits a lazy weekend afternoon, a comfort watch, or something easy on a day when you want to feel a little lighter. Pacing is relaxed, and the emotional arc follows a good-natured middle-aged man rebuilding his confidence and a discouraged woman rediscovering her own spark, both drifting toward connection. Intensity is very mild: some arguments and financial worry, a bit of mild swearing and light innuendo, but no violence, gore or sexual content beyond a kiss. It is for people who want a gentle, hopeful romance about starting over.
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