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Saturday, April 20, 2002, 8:52 PM EST.
Stage Review of 'This Is Our Youth'
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Set in New York in 1982, the decade of 'money fever'.
"This Is Our Youth" depicts forty-eight hours in the lives of three
rich middle class teenagers who have 15,000 stolen dollars
to blow on a hedonistic spending spree. That is basically it in terms
of plot. But there's more to it as the whole point of the play lies in
its simplicity and nuanced characterizations by a trio of stellar
performers whose give the tale its grounding.
Kenneth Lonergan portrays three strikingly different characters,
Dennis, Warren and Jessica. Each is faced with different problems
and struggle to justify their anger at the world in a time when there
is nothing to rebel against. There is much to praise in this play but
the performances remain the highest point.
Jake Gyllenhaal's Warren is both hilariously funny and then achingly
awkward. He also movingly suggests a vulnerable character just beginning
to grow into maturity. Gyllenhaal had the audience with him the whole way.
Gyllenhaal's stage presence is amazing especially when you realize it's his
stage debut. He really gave us an oustanding performance. Gyllenhaal
started has been noticed playing alongside Laura Dern in October Sky
but has really draw attention to him with the dark and insightful Donnie
Darko. His breakthrough he found it with this movie. Next year he'll be
seen alongside Jennifer Aniston in The Good Girl. The movie received
pretty
good reviews at the Sundance Festival where it was shown earlier this year.
Jake Gyllenhaal. Remember that name as it is one you'll hear again.
Hayden Christensen's interpretation of Dennis is exceptionnal as he finds
the true emotionnal centre of his character. He spends all the play getting
high and still manages to move you. You really get emotionnally attached to
this drug dealer. The 21 year-old actor received praise and was nominated at
the SAG Awards and the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a drama for
his portrayal of a troubled teen in last year's Life As A House. Almost
unrecognizable in the movie, he shed 20 pounds, dyed his hair black and blue
and sported eyeshadow, while his character in the movie turned homosexual
tricks to pay for his drugs. The soon to be Anakin Skywalker in
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones proved his acting abilities. Let's just hope he
won't
be typecasted after his role in the Star Wars.
While Anna Paquin's portrayal of Jessica is both funny and touching although
her onstage time is indeed very limited.
The play is full of delicious humour, with Lonergan nailing
the rites of adolescent passage. The dialogue is brilliant here.
The best lines being the ones of Warren—'Chevalry is not dead. It just
smells funny'...
In short "This Is Our Youth" is a must-see play with brilliant
performances by three young hot and talented actors. Three actors to
watch very closely.
Currently playing at the Garrick Theatre in London's West End.
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