The Walker

Saw Paul Schrader's 'The Walker', starring Woody Harrelson, Lauren Bacall, Lily Tomlin, Moritz Bleibtreu and Kristin Scott Thomas the night before last. It didn't get much of a theatrical release, and I can sort of see why. Interesting premise: Harrelson plays an urbane, witty gay man who escorts rich Washington wives to social functions their husbands don't want to attend, or a 'walker', and, in sort of an update to 'American Gigolo', is suspected of a murder he didn't commit, but refuses to divulge incriminating evidence against one of his society lady friends, played by Scott Thomas, which would basically clear him. But Harrelson's performance is a weird misfire, and he seems to be channeling both Gore Vidal AND Truman Capote, and his appearance is nothing short of ludicrous, with an obvious wig and 70'S moustache totally at odds with the film's contemporary, Washington setting. He looks like a very early-80's porn star, with a bit of Matthew McConaughey from 'Dazed and Confused' thrown. Also, many of his bon mots and witticisms are too tame to warrant the shocked and amused reactions they provoke. Lauren Bacall was the best part of the movie, and I would have liked to see a bit more of Lily Tomlin. I wonder if she threw any tantrums during the making of the movie. Mary Beth Hurt made her obligatory cameo, as she does in all of her husband's movies. Also, the movie was shot in England, which was sometimes quite obvious, and many supporting actors had unconvinving American accents. Still, I think we need more movies about walkers, a group that is sadly underrepresented in popular culture. I was thinking about it, but I don't think I'd make a good walker, somehow.