By Renee’ Collins
Rating: 4 (Out of 5 Reels)
The life of celebrated but reclusive author, J.D. Salinger (Nicholas Hoult), who gained worldwide fame with the publication of his novel, “The Catcher in the Rye” (IMDB).
Hoult has definitely come up in the ranks of Hollywood actors in his more recent roles. I remember watching him as a young boy in the film called About a Boy with Hugh Grant and Toni Collette in 2002 and he was good then. Apparently, acting runs in the family because his great-aunt, Dame Anna Neagle, was one of the most popular actors in the World War II era. I absolutely loved his role as R in the 2013 comedy, horror, romance film Warm Bodies. If you have not seen it, I highly recommend you do.
Salinger’s awkward upbringing and subsequent involvement in World War II cause him to see life from an overly depressing and dark point of view. It is from this perspective that he writes his epic novel. This writing and acting by Hoult in this film vividly bring Salinger’s skewed point of view to life. It becomes hard not to feel somewhat sorry for him.
This film is visually stunning and is well written and acted. Hoult delivers an outstanding portrayal of Salinger. I enjoyed how the story goes back and forth throughout Salinger’s life to bring his story into focus. I do recommend this film but save some cash and go to a matinee.