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A young teacher and aspiring playwright who is sexually confused, moves to Manhattan and ends up sharing an apartment with an eccentric older man who is also an escort of sorts. Together they form an unlikely friendship where the older man takes the playwright under his wing and teaches him about love and life in his own unique way.

This movie was not very good. Sure Kevin Kline playing Henry Harrison the older, wiser and somewhat crazy older man who may (or may not) have had a life full of adventures, plays the role to perfection. He is crabby, selfish, miserable yet flamboyant and strange enough to be not a completely unlikable character. Paul Dano takes the role of Louis Ives, the young man who is confused about everything in life and play it with affection, you do, in places feel for him and his utter lack of ability to decide what he wants (or what he thinks he wants). From the place he wants to live to the gender he wants to be, Louis is confused and clueless about life. The problem lies with the story, which is just not that good. It's a comedy/drama with not too many laughs and nothing to make you take it too seriously either. Not a movie I could recommend to a lot of people, unless you really love Kevin Kline. He makes it bearable, but barely.

The Extra Man

I'm a huge fan of Ames and can't help but compare this to the book, which for all the usual reasons is
superior. The film definitely has its moments though; Kevin Kline is brilliant, Paul Dano, possibly a little young-looking to play Louis Ives, puts in a strong performance too. Hmmmm, I did like it... I just didn't go nuts for it. I'd try and read the book first if you can.