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A comedy about loss, grief, and the redemptive power of love. Dean is a NY illustrator who falls hard for an LA woman while trying to prevent his father from selling the family home in the wake of his mother’s death.
Duration: 94 min
Released: 2017
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 (1,631 Votes)
Stars: Asif Ali, Jesaiah Baer, Kathrine Barnes, H. Jon Benjamin
Directors: Demetri Martin
Writers: Demetri Martin
Year: 2017
Dean (2016) - A Quirky Exploration of Life, Art, and Grief
Released in 2016, Dean is a comedy-drama film that delves into the intricate journey of coping with loss, navigating personal dreams, and understanding human relationships through the eyes of an aspiring artist. Directed and written by the multi-talented Demetri Martin, the movie presents a unique blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, often marked by witty dialogue and insightful moments that resonate deeply with its audience.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Dean, a quirky and somewhat awkward cartoonist and artist living in Brooklyn, portrayed by Demetri Martin himself. The narrative is triggered by the death of Dean’s beloved father, an event that sets the young protagonist on a reflective mission to reassess his life, ambitions, and relationships. Struggling with grief and the harsh realities of adulthood, Dean embarks on a quest for self-discovery that leads him through a whirlwind of comedic misadventures and poignant realizations.
Throughout the film, Dean tries to move forward by focusing on his art, his romantic relationships, and reconciling with his own flaws. The film does an exceptional job of portraying the nuanced difficulties of growing up and finding one’s identity in a world that often feels overwhelming and unpredictable.
Main Cast
Director and Writer
Demetri Martin wears multiple hats as both the director and the writer of Dean. Known primarily as a comedian and actor, Martin brings his unique perspective to the film, infusing it with his distinctive wit and artistic sensibility. His background as a stand-up comedian and writer informs the dialogue and pacing, giving the film a refreshing originality that distinguishes it from conventional dramedies about grief and artistry.
His direction emphasizes subtle humor alongside emotional vulnerability, using simple yet evocative visuals interspersed with animated sequences that showcase Dean’s inner world as an artist. The film's writing shines through clever yet relatable moments, artfully avoiding clichés that often surround films dealing with similar subjects.
Thematic Overview
Dean is not just about grief but also about the awkward and sometimes uncomfortable process of embracing maturity. The film explores themes such as:
The movie deftly balances humor with poignancy, making it a relatable slice-of-life story for anyone who has been at a crossroads in their life.
Critical Reception
Upon release, Dean was praised for its intelligent script and heartfelt performances, particularly highlighting Demetri Martin’s ability to blend comedy with genuine emotion. Critics appreciated the film’s understated approach to storytelling and the way it captured the idiosyncrasies of life without descending into melodrama.
Conclusion
In sum, Dean (2016) stands out as a thoughtful comedy-drama that captures the turbulence of young adulthood with sincerity and humor. Featuring a talented cast led by Demetri Martin and Kevin Kline, this film offers an intimate look at overcoming grief through art and human connection. For viewers who appreciate subtle storytelling punctuated by clever wit and heartfelt moments, Dean is a memorable cinematic experience worth watching.
For more detailed information, you can visit the movie's IMDB page: Dean (2016) on IMDB.
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