Genius
Lionsgate | Release Date: June 10, 2016
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 47 Ratings
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Mixed:
14
Negative:
5
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10
ThomassSep 10, 2016
Excellent movie. Thomas Wolf portrayal truly well done and complex relationships with others very well done. I didn't! know much about Wolf and so I found the movie informative . For people who know and care about literature so not for everyone.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
GreatMartinJun 17, 2016
First and foremost “Genius” is an excellent film with a performance by Jude Law, as writer Thomas Wolfe, that is a standout and better than many he has done in the past decade with a much quieter, but as strong a performance, by Colin FirthFirst and foremost “Genius” is an excellent film with a performance by Jude Law, as writer Thomas Wolfe, that is a standout and better than many he has done in the past decade with a much quieter, but as strong a performance, by Colin Firth as Editor Maxwell Perkins.

It is not easy to have a movie featuring a writer but add an editor and you have a lot of scenes of writing, editing with a red pencil and voiceovers reading what the author has written. There are some scenes like these in the screenplay by John Logan, based on the biography of Perkins by A. Scott Berg, but they don’t distract from the temperamental differences between the two men and the results not only in their lives but what they brought to the world.

Near the beginning of the film Thomas Wolfe describes himself, at the same time describing the performance that Jude Law gives, as being flamboyant, loud, childish, full of self involvement and importance, a genius, and that is the man we see. On the other hand Maxwell Perkins is presented as a quiet, even tempered man who, it seems, never took his hat off! The main thing they had in common was love of the written word with Wolfe known to write many words when few would be better and Perkins knowing how to get to that few.

Though not knowing how much of the film was “Hollywood imagined”, though a few scenes felt as if they were invented, by the end you will wonder if Wolfe or Perkins or both of them were the genius of the title.

While Laura Linney, as the wife of Maxwell Perkins, has a quiet role as the supportive wife and mother Nicole Kidman as Aline Bernstein, Wolfe’s companion, partner, lover and provider, steals a few scenes from both Law and Firth.

There are basically cameos from Guy Pearce as F. Scott Fitzgerald, an almost unrecognizable Dominic West as Ernest Hemmingway and a brief performance by Vanessa Kirby as Zelda Fitzgerald.

I must admit that though I knew of Thomas Wolfe as a writer, mainly from the play version of his first novel, “Look Homeward, Angel”, never having read the book and vaguely remember hearing about his bestseller “Of Time and the River” I now want to read both and I want to know more about the man and how close this film is to his real life.

I did know of Maxwell Perkins through the world of publishing and the editor of two of my books, Layde Sparks, always referred to herself as my Maxwell Perkins and this film also makes me want to read the book it is based on.

“Genius” is an excellent film not only for bringing two men everyone should know to life but also to see the performances by Jude Law, Peter Firth and Nicole Kidman. I hope they aren’t forgotten, especially Law, when award time comes along.

I very seldom talk about films that can be the downloaded from the Internet at the same time they can be seen in theatres but I want people to see this—though it is better on the big movie screen!… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
jhepJun 18, 2016
What a wonderful film! What a wonderful FRIENDLY and authentic movie……FRIENDLY because it’s such an intimate work and a labor of love by everyone involved- the script writer, the director and the entire cast……and so the result is like gettingWhat a wonderful film! What a wonderful FRIENDLY and authentic movie……FRIENDLY because it’s such an intimate work and a labor of love by everyone involved- the script writer, the director and the entire cast……and so the result is like getting a letter from a good friend you’d lost touch with years ago........what I mean is that people who relate to this film will quickly BOND with it; BOND with Jude Law (dazzling and almost unrecognizable) and Colin Firth (who cements his claim to being the Undisputed Champion of a certain quixotic Hard-Won Common Sense, and Nicole Kidman (brandishing new maturity, bite and conviction !) …...what “grabs” you most is the film’s ring of truth; it really feels like an INSIDER’S TAKE on the nature of the creative process, the artistic inspiration that drives it and (something the cast presumably knows all too well !) the perils confronting talented artists in a decidedly ga-ga celebrity culture !…..it makes sense that the two main stars of the film as well as the director should be Brits - what we get here is an Old World European culture commenting on a newfangled, New World "celebrity culture" bedazzled by philistine notions of power, money and creative merit (one in which money Trumps all ?). …. all of which is to say, once again, that this is a very personal work and one that feels thoroughly genuine and authentic.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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0
ricky1121Jun 25, 2016
Horrid movie. It is way too confusing for me. I did not like it. Who would? It is so bad it is not even funny. MEGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA THUMBS DOWN
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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3
LynSep 13, 2016
This film makes a valiant effort to portray the writer/editor relationship -- so it's starting out with a tough mission. As a longtime fan of Thomas Wolfe's work -- and one who's read voraciously about him, his editor Max Perkins and hisThis film makes a valiant effort to portray the writer/editor relationship -- so it's starting out with a tough mission. As a longtime fan of Thomas Wolfe's work -- and one who's read voraciously about him, his editor Max Perkins and his lover Aline Bernstein -- I'm so sad that this film does none of them justice. Great actors, obviously, but every role is horribly miscast! In particular, Aline Bernstein,love of Tom's life, was a small, dark, motherly, earthy Jewish woman, much older than he, lively and animated and passionate. Love Nicole Kidman, but in addition to her being totally wrong physically, her part is written as a wretchedly nagging harpy who added nothing to his life. Not to take away from Perkins's editing brilliance, but this twisting of the facts is unforgivable.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
TVJerryJun 18, 2016
Jude Law straps on a vigorous Southern accent to play author Thomas Wolfe and another Brit (Colin Firth) goes Yankee as his book editor Maxwell Perkins. This story looks at the working relationship that becomes a friendship. Law gives aJude Law straps on a vigorous Southern accent to play author Thomas Wolfe and another Brit (Colin Firth) goes Yankee as his book editor Maxwell Perkins. This story looks at the working relationship that becomes a friendship. Law gives a fervent, outgoing performance and Firth plays it laid back. Even with their sometimes volatile relationship, this film never rises above a quiet energy. All of the actors are good, but the drama never inspires and the dialogue isn't especially smart. It might be interesting for literary types, but as drama it's a bit of a snooze. Interestingly, 6 of the main characters (all of whom are supposed to Americans) are either played by Brits or Aussies.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
SpangleNov 26, 2016
Personally, the phrase "Oscar bait" strikes me as a terrible critique of a film. It is lazy and disrespectful of effort put into a film. Though a subject and approach thereof may appeal to the Academy, to label any biographical film as purelyPersonally, the phrase "Oscar bait" strikes me as a terrible critique of a film. It is lazy and disrespectful of effort put into a film. Though a subject and approach thereof may appeal to the Academy, to label any biographical film as purely "Oscar bait" is entirely reductive, pigeonholing it into a position it certainly does not deserve. The result of blood, sweat, and tears on the part of theater director Michael Grandage, to label Genius as merely "Oscar bait" is disrespectful of the effort put in by Grandage and the cast. Plus, those who call it "failed Oscar bait" further miss the mark, as not every film will win an award, nor is every film aiming for that goal. Rather, films such as Genius may seem appealing to the Academy, but there is a deeper purpose here. Not just glittery gold and supposed glory. Genius is a celebration of the artist, the dedication, and the harm it can cause for that artist in their life. Along the way, we get some good performances, brilliant cinematography, and great period detail, even if Genius' slight frame highlights Grandage's theater background.

Focusing on the relationship between editor genius Max Perkins (Colin Firth) and upcoming writer Thomas Wolfe (Jude Law), Genius is a film about how the two come together to formulate Wolfe's work. Heralded as a visionary, Wolfe's work was rewarded with praise and, as a result, Perkins essentially saw him as his "once in a lifetime" author. Funnily enough, Perkins also was the editor for F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Seems as though he missed the mark there, but I digress. Following the success of his first novel, "Look Homeward, Angel", Wolfe delivers 5,000 pages for his follow-up novel. What ensues is the duo editing the novel fervourously, decimating their marriages, but forging an unbreakable bond between one another.

As Wolfe's wife, Aline Bernstein, Nicole Kidman often steals the show here, however. While Firth and Law turn in reliably good performances, Kidman is honestly shocking with her brilliance and commitment to her unhinged character. Always brash and filter-less, Aline takes a turn for the worse when she believes Thomas has fallen in love with Max and, in effect, left her. Two scenes highlight Kidman's brilliance in this picture. The first comes when she confronts Max and reveals to him that she plans on shooting on person and it is down to herself, Thomas, or Max. Here, she plays the role of the broken wife and knocks it out of the park. Raw, filled with emotion, and power, Kidman captures the alienation this woman feels expertly. Secondly, when she confronts Thomas after the success of his second novel. Though he wants her to go on vacation with him, her explanation of her own journey to get over him when it became apparent he no longer wanted her around is both heartbreaking and moving. Kidman, once more, captures the power of the moment exquisitely.

Genius also excels with its cinematography. Two shots demonstrate the beauty of the film and the reason here is often the staging. Grandage shows his knowledge of the stage and translates it to camera perfectly with a pair of shots that stand tall amongst the crowd. The first comes as Thomas rests his head on Max's shoulder as the pair look at New York City. Matching period detail with the always breathtaking skyline of New York City, the moment's power is matched by the beauty and pain-staking detail of its shot's design. Second, when Thomas is stumbling home after being at Max's house at night. Silhouetted by a bright light pouring through the trees in the pitch black of night, this shot in particular in gorgeous and seems akin to the work of Roger Deakins in The Assassination of Jesse James in look, style, and execution.

However, Genius is held back from brilliance. Though well acted, shot, and a terrific celebration of the artist and their dedication to brilliance, Genius is simply far too slight and far too slowly paced. It is a real grind and yet, it barely covers much, as it jumps along freely in order to make up for its slow pacing. It is dense, much like Wolfe's work, and is an incredibly tough nut to crack. There are times where it drags immensely and others where it does manage to ride the energy of Perkins and Wolfe's encounters. Unfortunately, by-and-large, Genius winds up being a poorly paced film that may accurately capture the essence of its subjects, but largely lacks the impact.

Genius is a film about riveting people with terrific acting and cinematography. However, the final product is merely just an entertaining biopic that feels far too limited in scope and slow to really be anything long-lasting. That said, the vibrancy brought by Wolfe is inspiring and one to be emulated by writers. He often treated those around him incredibly poorly, so do not emulate those elements, but his passion and love of writing must be celebrated and embraced.… Expand
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8
LeZeeFeb 14, 2017
Behind a great writer, there's a genius editor!

I felt the title 'Genius' was not appropriate for how the story revolved in the film. It was more like a commitment and priority given to those undertaking than any other stuffs and that's whyBehind a great writer, there's a genius editor!

I felt the title 'Genius' was not appropriate for how the story revolved in the film. It was more like a commitment and priority given to those undertaking than any other stuffs and that's why it looked like a genius from others eyes. Though I won't deny the experience always comes very handy. This film tells the story of ant editor and how he meets one of the best writers of his time. But they two together give the literature world some masterpiece works and that's the tale the film very genuinely presented to us.

This story takes place around the 1930s. An enthusiastic writer and a genius editor develop a strong bond, especially from their professional, but it goes beyond that. When both the families struggle while these two men completely dissolved with their works. So the takes from different angles about the different issues nicely revealed.

This biographical film is nothing short for any inspiration if you are looking for some. If you are a book lover, then this is not to be missed, especially if you have read the books by Thomas Wolfe. It's unbelievable that the film was made by a first time director. The actors, including the Colin Firth and Jude Law in the major roles was exceptionally good. We have seen many great films about the authors, so for a difference this film focused on an editor. It stands on the line of Bryan Cranston's 'Trumbo'. I hope you won't miss it, because it is so good if you appreciate the real life achievers, even those standing behind someone's achievements.

8/10… Expand
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6
Brent_MarchantJun 18, 2016
A biopic that struggles for greatness but, regrettably. comes up short of the mark, even with a number of fine attributes. The intentions here surely seem to be in the right place, but the execution falters with characters and a script thatA biopic that struggles for greatness but, regrettably. comes up short of the mark, even with a number of fine attributes. The intentions here surely seem to be in the right place, but the execution falters with characters and a script that don't feel fully fleshed out, despite moments of brilliance in both regards. Still the film's examinations of the creative process, the act of collaboration and the need to express oneself are commendable and worth viewing, even if not couched within the most ideal vehicle for doing so.… Expand
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7
smiyamotSep 16, 2016
Are famous writers that good? Or do they get great editors who make their manuscripts into best sellers? This movie follows a great editor as he helps shape the manuscripts of Thomas Wolfe. Wow, does he ever! I would have never thoughtAre famous writers that good? Or do they get great editors who make their manuscripts into best sellers? This movie follows a great editor as he helps shape the manuscripts of Thomas Wolfe. Wow, does he ever! I would have never thought the original writings were so unreadable. In this movie, we see editor Max also shaped books by Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and others. Never knew that.… Expand
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5
BiasNov 4, 2016
Movie about the relationship between a writer and his editor. I definitely had to shake off the "this is just a bunch of white people stuff" feeling in order to get through it. I've never read Thomas Wolf or know anything about his life so IMovie about the relationship between a writer and his editor. I definitely had to shake off the "this is just a bunch of white people stuff" feeling in order to get through it. I've never read Thomas Wolf or know anything about his life so I can't speak to the truth of any of I saw. It was interesting to see the drama between a compulsive writer and his editor who hammers them into nuggets of-of-of best-selling moonshots drifting through the darkness like comets shimmering bright on a cold winter night. I got sick of the character by the end, and shamefully felt little empathy for his passing. Awkward, right? Or was that the point?… Expand
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10
HeraklesDec 26, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Okay, this movie is not for everyone. And i did not know Jude Law, Colin Firth or Thomas Wolfe before i watched this movie.
And i understand the critics very well. But i have to give this movie credit for doing something not many films are able to do. This movie had an effect on my life. After watching this movie i wanted to know who Thomas Wolfe was and wanted to read his Books. At least i wanted to give it a try.

And after watching this Movie about 25 times (i lost count somewhere) and reading many of Wolfes Books i have to say that it had an effekt on me that no other film had. For about 2 years i was reading Books written by Thomas Wolfe for 5 hours a day and i only started this because of this Film.

I think this movie is not really made for a big amount of people. Because some will know Wolfes Books and they proparbly wont like the apperance he got in this movie. As far as i know Thomas Wolfe was not the extroverted guy Jude Law portraits here. He was a tall man and very introverted. And i can understand that people who knew Thomas Wolfe before watching this movie were kinda disapointed. But they cant have both. On the one hand they maybe wanted to see a movie about their favourite author and on the other hand they wanted Thomas Wolfe and his works get more attetion. So in this movie they got the second. Thomas Wolfe was changed to make it easier for people to connect to him and to make a movie the public may likes. And there are people like me who fall in love with Thomas Wolfe because of this movie. And thats in my mind a goal thats worth celebrating. So when you are interrested in writing or reading and you think about yourselfe as a "strange" person (i do), you will proparbly like this movie. And keep an open mind, maybe Tom can take your hand and show you his world.

Also read the books if you like reading. They are not easy to read but it is worth it. (I had the same smile on my face like Colin Firth in the Train when he finished to read the first side when i finished "Look Homeward, Angel" and i was happy in that moment happy on a very deep level.)… Expand
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