Half Nelson

What happens to those poor college grads who join Teach for America or to the liberal hippies who didn't have the grades to get a real job? "Half Nelson" is a movie that explores the throes of inner city schools both for the teachers and the students. Even though I had considerable issues with the directing, I think that "Half Nelson" is a strong film. In particular, Ryan Gosling (the boy next door from "The Notebook") shines with an epic performance as a troubled teacher.

The best aspect of the movie was the acting. In addition to the flawless Gosling, who may or may not have Oscar gold shining on him, there is another great performance by a little African American girl who is tangled in a world of drugs, anti-heroes, and difficult life choices. The exemplary acting gives the film a realism that is almost scary. It almost feels like watching a gripping documentary, especially because of the fast jump cuts and the use of a hand held camera throughout most of the film. Even though I prefer well planned placement of cameras, I can understand why the director would choose to use more gritty slipshod methods.

The theme of "Half Nelson" is two fold: First, we can see the life of a teacher who does great work with children, but is forced into poverty and its effects, which includes drug use. One of the best scenes in the movie is when Gosling smokes crack in a bathroom and is caught by his student---which dovetails into the second theme, a lack of opportunity for inner city kids. Who can a moral girl look up to if not her teachers or family? Even more interesting is the duality with which the movie presents every character. Gosling is a hero because he cares about his students, but he is no role model because of his drug use. A local drug dealer helps out the young girl, but sucks her into the world of drugs. Finally, the little girl is strong and moral but eventually succumbs to temptations. Should we judge these characters as a whole or bifurcate their alter egos? This complex inquiry makes "Half Nelson" a very interesting, well crafted, and important film.

4.5