Fiona Friday – Reign Over Me

Watched the above film “Reign Over Me” on Sky last Saturday night and immediately bought it from Amazon.

It is the kind of film that Fiona would have loved, but we didn’t ever watch it as she like me was not particularily keen on Adam Sandler who to us seemed to play the same kind of role in every film he starred in.

This time however he is brilliant and it is often hard to believe it is him playing the part.

The title of the film is taken from The Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me” which is performed by Pearl Jam for the theme tune as below.

“Love Reign O’er Me” – Pearl Jam

Amazon.com
One of the first films to examine the aftermath of post- 9/11 New York City, Reign Over Me shows how much even indirect contact with those who lost loved ones in the tragedy can greatly affect. Like rings of debris spiraling out from an explosion, Charlie Fineman’s (Adam Sandler) loss also devastates his in-laws, who he refuses to speak to, and ex-college roommate, Alan Johnson. Reign Over Me stars Johnson, a successful dentist with a gorgeous wife, Janeane (Jada Pinkett Smith) and two kids, who finds Charlie reverted back into a teenage wasteland, unable to face his unbearable sadness. Sandler as Charlie looks like Bob Dylan and acts like Dustin Hoffman in his great dramatic performance. Listening to The Who and The Boss through headphones, playing video games, and continually remodeling his kitchen, Fineman’s escapism disturbs Johnson, who, in turn, feels squelched by his stiflingly normal lifestyle. As the two reacquaint, Johnson is the only person who can help save Fineman from self-obliteration. The story analyzes Post Traumatic Stress with some accuracy, though excess sentimentality undermines emotional scenes. Survivor’s guilt, assessing mental illness, and absolute incapacitation due to grief are all topics covered within the bounds of the enduring friendship forged between these two men. Ultimately, Reign Over Me’s message is one of compassion, as a reminder to treat victims of loss with patience and care. But interestingly, it also pays heed to smaller human tribulations, which are obstacles to healing when left untreated. –Trinie Dalton

 To buy “Reign Over Me” soundtrack CD or DVD click HERE