The Extra Man (2010)

Introduction
"The Extra Man" is a 2010 American comedy-drama film directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, based on the 1998 book of the exact same title by Jonathan Ames. The film stars Kevin Kline, Paul Dano, Katie Holmes, and John C. Reilly. It tells the story of a young man who transfers to New York City and forms a not likely relationship with his eccentric neighbor, who moonlights as an "additional guy", a social companion for wealthy, older females.

Plot Summary
The film starts with Louis Ives (Paul Dano), a young ambitious writer who is captivated with F. Scott Fitzgerald's works, transferring to New York City after he is discovered wearing ladies's underwear at his mentor job in New Jersey. In New York, Louis discovers a space for lease in the apartment or condo of an eccentric, aged stopped working playwright, Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline). Louis quickly becomes intrigued by Harrison's unusual quirks and practices, such as not using the telephone and claiming to be a "marvelous failure".

Henry's main income comes from working as an "extra guy" or "walker" for rich, lonely, older ladies such as Vivian Cudlip (Marian Seldes), who look for a male companion to accompany them on social getaways. As the film progresses, Louis ends up being increasingly associated with Henry's social activities, eventually becoming a "walker" himself for a rich lady named Mary (Patti D'Arbanville).

Besides dealing with Henry's eccentricities, Louis likewise grapples with his own confusion about his sexual identity and desires. He tries to reduce his cross-dressing advises, and even attempts to begin a relationship with Mary-Kay (Katie Holmes), a vegan/environmentalist coworker from his day task.

Throughout the film, the audience sees a series of flashbacks to minutes from Louis's past, exposing his fascination with females's clothes and how it resulted in his fixation with Fitzgerald's works. Specifically, Louis is drawn to the character of Jay Gatsby, believing that Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy symbolizes his own pursuit of the feminine side of himself.

Character Development
As the movie unfolds, Louis and Henry's relationship deepens, and the two men end up being each other's support group. Eventually, it is Henry who assists Louis challenge and accept his fondness for cross-dressing. At the exact same time, Louis's presence in Henry's life helps the older guy find his passion for writing.

On the other hand, Louis chooses to let go of his romantic pursuit of Mary-Kay after recognizing that their relationship has no future. While she seems rather thinking about him, she is likewise included with another male called Gershon (John C. Reilly), a gruff but mild next-door neighbor who befriends Louis as well.

Conclusion
Towards the end of the film, Henry's routine customer Vivian dies, leaving him in an alarming monetary situation. Louis decides to help Henry by covertly sending one of Henry's old plays to a prominent competitors. The play wins, and the prize money allows Henry to secure a more stable financial future for both him and Louis.

As the movie concerns an end, Louis discovers a balance to welcome his true nature and expresses it freely. He wears women's clothing and participates in an outfit ball. Throughout the occasion, he encounters Mary-Kay, who likewise goes to in a masculine costume. They reconcile, and Louis accepts that his relationships with both Mary-Kay and Henry might be non-traditional however are nonetheless genuine and meaningful.

"The Extra Man" is an eccentric and heartfelt exploration of friendship, identity, and self-acceptance, featuring exceptional efficiencies from Kevin Kline, Paul Dano, and John C. Reilly. It acts as an unique portrayal of the complexities and characteristics of relationships that come from numerous unconventional scenarios.

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