Brad’s Status Starring Ben Stiller, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fischer, and Michael Sheen
Brad Sloan (Stiller) lives a respectable life as the owner of a small nonprofit. With a loving wife, good son, and a nice house, many would assume Brad has a balanced life. However, Brad is going through a midlife crisis, assessing his existence compared to those who went to college with him.
While dealing with this situation, Brad goes to Boston with his son to tour colleges.
The study of Brad’s midlife crisis is intriguing by exploring the pros and cons of his situation.
Additionally, it successfully uses narration, while providing Ben Stiller’s best performance in years
At 47-years-old, Brad has a midlife crisis where he asks himself a series of questions to determine the quality of his life. There are many instances where Brad takes stock into his life, and compares himself to others. One of Brad’s old peers is Craig Fisher (Sheen), a famous author who has connections all the way to the White House and is featured on T.V. often.
Another is Jason Hatfield, the owner of a multi-million-dollar company with his own private jet and a beautiful family.
Then there is Brad, the owner of a small nonprofit, who works at home. While others are living a seemingly fruitful life, Brad feels like he is stuck in purgatory.
Brad finds himself questioning where he went wrong in not achieving great accomplishments like his old peers.
Why isn’t Brad living in Hawaii with two girlfriends? Additionally, why wasn’t Brad invited to the wedding of an old friend, while everyone else was?
These questions are extremely self-centered and it takes this trip to Boston with his son to assess his midlife crisis.
The answers to Brad’s questions see both sides of the situation.
There is a profound scene in a bar, where Brad is venting to someone about the problems going through his mind.
After a long night of listening to Brad’s problems, the person questions why he is complaining at all. Brad has a good life, while there are others who struggle to make ends meet or live on the street.
Moments like this give perspective to Brad’s issue.
Brad’s questions are asked through narration in quiet moments, whether in bed or at a bar. Narration is usually poorly executed because it is used as a lazy way of telling the audience something important instead of showing.
On the other hand, narration is necessary here because a midlife crisis involves someone asking themselves a series of loaded questions in their mind. The narrations give us an insight as to what is going on in Brad’s head.
Ben Stiller, who plays Brad, gives an outstanding performance. Stiller acts subdued and awkward around others by finding it difficult to convey any emotion.
The actor keeps himself reserved, while an endless stream of questions flows through his mind. For those expecting a comical performance by Stiller, they will be pleasantly caught off-guard by his impressive dramatic acting.
Stiller embodies everything about this character and serves as the face of someone going through this period in their life.
Although Brad questions his place in life, there is no question that this is a gripping drama. Brad’s midlife crisis feels genuine as he asks a series of thought provoking questions. These questions are beautifully executed through narration, which is rare for most films.
Additionally, Ben Stiller’s performance is unforgettable and perfect for the actor. Brad may have a lot of problems, but there are not too many in this film.
