Starting Out in the Evening (2007)

Starting Out in the Evening Poster

Leonard Schiller once counted among New York's literary lions, but illness and ten years of writer's block have lowered his profile, almost to the point of obscurity. When Heather Wolfe, an ambitious literature major, asks to interview him for her thesis on his work, her interest forces him to address the issues that he has avoided all these years, and stirs in him feelings he has long forgotten, much to his daughter's consternation.

Movie Summary
"Starting at night" is a 2007 American drama movie directed by Andrew Wagner. The film's narrative focuses on 2 interconnected stories: Leonard Schiller, an aging author making every effort to complete his last work of art, and Heather Wolfe, a young, enthusiastic college student who is figured out to restore Schiller's track record.

Main Plot
The movie's plot unravels as Heather Wolfe approaches Schiller with the goal of writing her master's thesis about him. She thinks there is a resurgence of interest in Schiller's works and her thorough analysis of his life and past books starts to impact Schiller's life both personally and expertly.

Character Interactions
The film deftly provides a detailed intertwined relationship between the two primary characters. Heather's intrusive investigation sparks Schiller's self-questioning of his own life, questioning his past decisions as he nears his life's end. Their contrasting age and perspectives provide an intriguing layer to their relationship. Schiller, despite his resistance, discovers Heather's enamored fascination with his works and life both disturbing and motivating.

In addition to Schiller's entanglement with Heather, the story likewise explores his complicated relationship with his daughter, Ariel. Ariel, unlike her dad, is plunged in the unpredictability of her future. Plagued by the pressure of a ticking body clock and a fluctuating veteran partner, Ariel remains in a continuous battle in between her aspirations and goals.

Expedition of Universal Themes
"Starting Out at night" explores universal themes such as aging, aspiration, love, and the still passage of time. Through the meticulous story of the characters' lives, the movie provides extensive commentary on these topics, making viewers contemplate their own death and aspiration.

The theme of aspiration is particularly present in Heather's ruthless pursuit of developing herself in academic community using Schiller's works. However, this ambition blurs the lines of ethical bounds when her professional fascination turns into individual affection for Schiller. Meanwhile, Schiller's ambition depends on finishing his last book prior to his health weakens, highlighting the pressing anxiety of a shrinking timeline.

Reception and Conclusion
The film was popular seriously for its introspective perspective on life, aspiration, and death. Especially, Frank Langella's efficiency as Leonard Schiller was applauded. The narrative presents a poignant evaluation of life through literary and human lenses. Thus, "Starting Out in the Evening" stands as an extensive expedition of intricate human emotions and ambitions that are frequently neglected in the hustle of life.

"Starting Out in the Evening" can be viewed as a metaphorical intertwining of sunset representing Schiller's life nearing its end, and dawn representing Heather's life on the cusp of a promising future. By juxtaposing these two timelines, the film brilliantly encapsulates the cycle of life, aspiration, and the unrelenting passage of time.

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