The Visitor

Review: Writer/Director Thomas McCarthy's second film, and much like his first, Station Agent, this film is simple, quiet and full of emotion. About a college professor who, lonely and morose after the death of his wife, inadvertently gets dislodged from his monotonous rut when he visits his New York City apartment only to find two illegal immigrants occupying it. Despite the lack of effusive dialog the the film crackles with life by the great acting and hypnotic African drumming. McCarthy has a way of communicating so much while saying so little. The anger and pity this film evokes over the injustice in immigration laws in this country is remarkable.
Rating: 4/5

Award Consideration: Richard Jenkins is up for best actor in the only Oscar this film is nominated for. He is very good, but the role isn't anything too challenging. I would have preferred to see Haaz Sleiman get a nomination for best supporting actor, but It's nice to see Jenkins get nominated if for no other reason than to get this film some deserved recognition. Jenkins won't, and shouldn't, get the win however. There are far more deserving nominees this year.