Slums of Beverly Hills (1998) 3 stars out of 4. Starring Alan Arkin, Natasha Lyonne and Marisa Tomei.
Eccentric families are a movie staple dating to the screwball comedies of the 1930s.
But in these more complex times the family dynamics are more complicated. Humor can still be mined from the family situation, but it's harder to hit a mother lode these days.
Slums of Beverly Hills does come close though. Told through the eyes of 15-year-old Vivian Abramowitz (Natasha Lyonne), the story centers on the family's constant struggle for a better lifestyle, as typified by Vivian's father, Murray (Alan Arkin), who is constantly moving the family from one cheap apartment to another, albeit all in the Beverly Hills School District.
Murray is one of life's losers. He's a former restaurant owner turned car salesman. He lives mostly off the charity of his older brother, Mickey.
Murray's one goal is to be able to maintain a lifestyle that will allow his kids to stay in the school district. After all, he reasons about their constant moves, "furniture is temporary, education is forever."
All this turmoil is not helping Vivian. She's a "late bloomer" who is not too happy with her new bodily contours. Also upsetting is the fact that it's the center of family discussion among her father and two brothers.
To the rescue comes Rita (Marisa Tomei), the family's crazy cousin who recently escaped from a drug rehabilitation center.
To get more money from Mickey, Murray promises to look after Rita and help get her straightened out.
Rita, in her own unorthodox way, is an affirmative influence for Vivian, helping her realize the positives about herself as well as helping her understand her budding sexuality.
Slums of Beverly Hills is an eccentric comedy written and directed by Tamara Jenkins. The movie marks Jenkins' feature debut, and if Slums is any indication of her talent, she is a filmmaker who will be making an impact.
Her writing is witty, sharp and crisp. Her directorial style is direct, ignoring the fancy camera angles and movements used by many young, first-time directors who use the camera more as a toy than as a part of the filmmaking process.
Her characters are multitextured and all too human.
Murray, for example, is both comical and a bit tragic. Yet as played by the wonderful Alan Arkin, he is someone you respect even as you pity his situation. Near the film's finale, Jenkins stages a wonderful scene in an airport restaurant in which Murray insists on picking up the check for breakfast.
He is rebuked and belittled in front of his children by Mickey (a jovial venal Carl Reiner) for trying to play the big shot since whatever money Murray has ultimately came from Mickey.
Jenkins elicits strong performances from Lyonne and Tomei. Despite their age difference the two are more like sisters than cousins. They even have their own special, secret language.
You root for this family to rise above its problems. Despite a less than happy outcome, the family at least remains intact, its members having strengthened their bonds.
Slums of Beverly Hills is an interesting, comedy-drama. It will make you laugh and at times it may shock you. You may even recognize aspects of your own family in the Abramowitz clan.
Bob Bloom is the film critic at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, Ind. He can be reached by e-mail at bloom@journal-courier.com or cbloom@iquest.net
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