This harrowing film, about a drug-addicted teacher, provides few laughs. It does offer an unflinching portrait of dependency and nihilism, as well as a glance at the American underclass that never sinks into melodrama; the racial divisions of the United States are likewise shown in a convincing manner, without being overplayed. But the movie could have done with something to provide it with a little bit more spark; the references (supported by old film clips) to the historical events the teacher refers to are not enough for this purpose, and can seem a little heavy-handed. The film certainly has merits; but it is at times in danger of reducing the viewer to a similar state of ennui to that which it portrays.
Review of Half Nelson
