Shattered Glass

In 2003, not many people were apt to catch Hayden Christenson and Peter Sarsgaard in the true-story-put-to-film "Shattered Glass," and that is a shame. My second viewing tonight (first being at Castleton with Liz, Jammin' and A.Guge) had me enjoying it much more this time around. The performances are all strong (and what a great cast it is---I mean, you've got Steve Zahn, Chloie Seveigny (sp?) and Hank Azaria....can you say "any better?") although Sarsgaard stands out above them all, even sometimes overshadowing Christenson (who plays Stephen Glass, title character).

I think the thing about this movie that amazes me the most is how manipulative you can be if people like you. I mean, I watched and kept saying, "don't they see this is as a bit extravagent---all these fantastical stories all coming from this one man?" and then I realized how most people could get away with something like this...if, that is, people like them. It's kind of scary to think of the power you can have if you truly try and love people and care for them and try to be their friend. In turn, they'll most likely be receptive, and one can bet on them standing up for you if someone were to ever question your integrity. If there's a lesson to be learned from "Shattered Glass," it really is difficult to spell out. Don't trust friends? Kinda hard. Always be suspicious? Can we say paranoia? The list could go on and on, and really, I just don't think you can pin it down. There's no way to correct a situation like this or try to prevent it from happening (absolutely prevent it i mean). I suppose it's one of those life things that happens in we---as human beings---are feeble and helpless in. Oh, and yes, I'm recommending this movie. See it again if you've seen it already (especially if you recently saw "Garden State"). Then you'll be convinced of what Liz Boltz has been telling the world all along: "Peter Sarsgaard is fricken' incredible!"