Cinema Scholars takes a look at the coming-of-age memoir adaptation, The Tender Bar. Directed by George Clooney, the film stars Ben Affleck, Lily Rabe, and Tye Sheridan. Amazon Studios will release The Tender Bar in select Los Angeles & New York theaters on December 17, 2021. The film drops in theaters nationwide on December 22, 2021, and globally on Prime Video on January 7, 2022.
Introduction
When an actor makes the leap from on-camera work to helming an entire film, the results are often judged more closely than your average box office fare. Despite such scrutiny, many actors have successfully transitioned to behind-the-camera work. Ron Howard, Jon Favreau, Rob Reiner, Penny Marshall, and Robert Redford are just a few examples of performers who decided to take the cinematic reigns into their own hands.
With an impressive and ever-growing catalog under his belt, George Clooney has joined these esteemed ranks. From his directorial debut in the Sam Rockwell stunner Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind to later efforts like Leatherheads and Monuments Men, Clooney has shown an affinity for telling fascinating real-life stories. In his latest effort, Clooney takes on more non-fiction with the adaptation of J.R. Moehringer’s 2005 memoir The Tender Bar.
Synopsis
The Tender Bar stars Ben Affleck, another actor who’s directing work has won him accolades. The film chronicles the 1970s/1980s childhood and early adult years of Pulitzer Prize-winning newsman J.R. Moehringer.
Long before his success in journalism, little J.R. (newcomer Daniel Ranieri) and his struggling single mother (Lily Rabe) have resigned themselves to move in with his grandparents on Long Island. For J.R.’s mom, the thought of moving back home is utterly humiliating. Yet, her son immediately falls in love with the constant parade of cousins, friends, and kin who frequent the family hub.
With a deadbeat dad whose appearances are sporadic and rare, J.R. looks to his grandfather (Christopher Lloyd) and Uncle Charlie (Affleck) as father figures. As time marches on J.R. grows into a man. This is under the sometimes questionable tutelage of his beloved bartending uncle. A heartwarming illustration of family support unfolds in an age long before “it takes a village” was a catchphrase.
Discussion
As with many memoir adaptations, The Tender Bar is a meandering coming-of-age story that might feel just a bit too drawn out. First, there’s the coming-of-adolescence. Then the coming-of-college. Finally, there is the coming-of-early-adulthood. While each chapter of J.R.’s trajectory has its crescendo and resolution, the overall effect becomes somewhat anticlimactic. It’s almost surprising each time the story continues on. And on.
That’s not to say there aren’t some great moments in The Tender Bar. Clooney’s eye for detail in this evocative period piece is impeccable. From streets full of era-specific cars and fashion to a stellar soundtrack packed with aural time capsules.
The attention to nostalgic detail is delightful. Instead of feeling like a caricature of the time, a clever mix of style and decor left over from the previous decade make the feel of The Tender Bar all the more authentic.
Themes of unconditional love and support also tether the somewhat listless narrative. Though J.R. pines for a father he barely knows, he is certainly not lacking a stable home life. His ambitious mom is hellbent on her child attending Yale one day. However, J.R.’s real education comes from his Uncle Charlie’s cool, consummate guidance. The strong yet nonchalant dynamic between the key characters sustains the endearing against-the-odds success story despite a somewhat monotone arc.
Performances
It’s fair to say that the real magic of The Tender Bar lies within the stellar performances from the ensemble cast. Daniel Ranieri nails the precocious “young J.R.” early in the film. In his first major role, Ranieri maneuvers through light-hearted moments with seemingly natural timing while also evoking big feels during heavier, heartbreaking moments.
With a spot-on accent, Lily Rabe plays J.R.’s conflicted single mom with peerless Long Island aplomb. Perfect intonation aside, the chameleon-like performer further transforms herself with the protective and sometimes vulnerable body language and mannerisms of a determined mother, able to convey an entire range of emotions even (especially?) in her character’s quiet moments. Rabe’s terrific portrayal is almost successful in distracting from the irony that such a strong and important character to the central narrative doesn’t have a first name.
As the older version of J.R., critics of Tye Sheridan will be pleasantly surprised to find a lively character performance from an actor whose style is often considered more understated. Out of his shell, Sheridan’s take on the character feels as ballsy as it is convincing, providing the actor a vehicle to show some refreshing versatility.
The real scene-stealer of The Tender Bar is, of course, Ben Affleck as the wisdom-wielding Uncle Charlie. Affleck’s macho mentor (a product of mid-century values), is approaching middle age in the free-wheeling 70s. While certainly not stuck in the past, Charlie’s old-school sensibilities, and fair play tactics, are conveyed through Affleck’s confident performance. This further grounds the saga and catapults the charm factor of the picture.
Further Analysis
Uncle Charlie’s bar, Dickens, seems to be a touchstone for both young and grown J.R. Yet, the significance of the family establishment never quite hits home like it seems it should. Much like the references to Charlie’s bookworm tendencies (like naming his business after his favorite author), the full irony of a kid growing up around a neighborhood bar is unfortunately never fully realized. Nor is the counter-intuitiveness of a bartender having such literary prowess. Not that such points need to be spelled out, but these pivotal themes seem to get lost in the rambling storyline.
In a way, the circuitous nature of a memoir adaptation is inevitable. After all, real-life unfolds as a culmination of events with various highlights along the way rather than a perfect story arc. Perhaps to be true to the source material is to meander, but the transition to the big screen is a tricky one.
A cohesive film still needs to have a definite beginning, middle, and end. This is a challenging feat considering a person’s real-life trajectory and all the details that crystallize only in hindsight.
Conclusion
In the same wheelhouse as fellow actor-turn-director Ron Howard’s recent memoir adaptation Hillbilly Elegy, Clooney sets a similar stage for another classic underdog story of the prodigal son breaking the family mold.
Despite some questionable pacing and a few missed marks, The Tender Bar is a heartwarming dramedy. The film is sure to be popular for family viewing during the holidays. Come for the unlikely success story, but stay for the incredible performances, nostalgia, and inspiring tale of family loyalty.
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