Dennis Farina gives a warm (in a tough-loser kind of way) performance. Joe Maggio directs with taste and artistic touch. I just love how the film opens softly and quietly, introducing us to Joe May on the day he's released from the hospital. The poor stiff in the bed next to him sleeps while the audio plays a tapping sound. The window-tapping is a nice touch, because we're made immediately curious by it. It turns out to be the very first thing we learn of Joe, that he likes pigeons.
This is not a loud film, not a flashy film, not a funny film. It's a quiet indie paced just right. Through the entire first act and into the second, I worried that the film might become a real downer (thematically speaking). But, that's when I saw where it all was going. Rest assured, the writing, acting, and direction bring the film to appropriately restrained, but fulfilling resolution.
Upon reflection, "Joe May" communicates the emotional story I wanted from the film "Looper," but sans all the complicated plotting and unnecessary violence.
-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --
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