If you are suffering from insecurity, jealousy, regret, anxiety, depression, neediness, a mid-life crisis, or are on the verge of having a nervous breakdown, then you may not want to see "Brad's Status." On second thought, maybe you should, as it might be good for you to reflect on your own problems. For those who don't have those problems, prepare yourself to follow a protagonist who does. Either way, try and avoid the official trailer for the movie because it gives away some really huge moments from the film.
This is a very introspective movie, that is told through the point of view of Brad; played excellently well by Ben Stiller. Just look at his face. Stiller is always able to give that facial expression of someone who is lost in his thoughts worrying about something, but trying to act cool enough to not display to the world that he is worrying about something. Compare him to Austin Abrams; who does a great job playing Brad's son Troy, who always looks so laid-back and relaxed enough. He is the perfect contrast to Stiller's character. Put actors are really good in this, and the chemistry they have with each other is spot on.
Besides the strong cast of actors, that includes Jenna Fischer, Michael Sheen, to Jemain Clement, this movie's focus is on Brad. There is an ongoing voice over monologue to his thoughts, that does a good job hitting us over the head with the theme of the story that is Brad's anxiety about life. There are also multiple daydream sequences where he imagines positive or negative possible life scenarios, that provides moments of light hearted entertainment during the movie. Then there are the straight talk conversational scenes littered throughout the story, with some dialogue that were truly thought provoking, that will either affirm your life, or damn it.
I suppose "Brad's Status" can be seen as a cautionary tale about what the perspectives and priorities of your life should be. I'm sure the dilemmas and anxieties that Brad puts himself in are actually quite relatable to many people, and that's the strength of this simple movie. It's very human, emotional, and powerful.
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