Roger Dodger (2003)

DVD

Every once and a while, a writer/director with a razor sharp wit, and a knack for writing outstanding dialogue comes along. If they're lucky, they even get noticed. It's a good thing that was the case with Dylan Kidd, the writer/director of Roger Dodger. Kidd has a distinctive writing style that cuts through the scenes, shredding them before your eyes. it's the snicker inducing type of dialogue that most people wish they could converse with, because if you did, people would always listen.

Roger Dodger is a film about a man named Roger Swanson, a fast talking self-proclaimed ladies man who claims to know everything about both women and sex. When his teenaged nephew shows up, Roger decides to teach the boy everything he knows. The problem is, Roger has dilluted himself to the point of knowing NOTHING about either. Through their journey into the NYC nightlife, Roger learns more about himself than his nephew learns about woman.

So what makes this film work? Obviously, sharp dialogue isn't enough to carry a film. Even the smartest dialogue can wear thin after a while. What makes this film so good is the performance by the brilliant, and tragically underrated Campbell Scott (Singles, The Secret Lives of Dentists). He plays Roger perfectly, breathing so much life into what could easily have been a flat, one-note character. Also, as with all good films set in New York City, the city itself helps make the film. The nightlife is almost portrayed as another character, moving along the journey with Roger as both his security blanket and biggest problem. Roger was obviously long ago sucked into the night life. He a product of it.

Jesse Eisenberg turns in a great role as Roger's not-so-naive nephew. His wide-eyed wonder at watching Roger talk with women is great. You can see him taking it all in, good and bad, and trying to decide what to do with it.

All in all, Roger Dodger is one of those great little films that is perfect for a night on the couch.

For a small film, we're treated with quite a few nice extras.

2 Commentary Tracks
Both commentary tracks feature Dylan Kidd, but the first one pairs him with Director of Photography Joaqun Baca-Asay. Interesting, but not great. The second one features Kidd with Campbell Scott and Jesse Eisenberg. This is the fun one. If you're into commentary tracks, this is the one I recommend.

Director's Preface
See Dylan Kidd talk about the film before you watch it. Nothing too great, but still a cool little feature. I wish more directors would introduce their films. It adds a surprisingly person level to the viewing.

Examination of a Scene
Go through a scene and see what works, why it works, and why it was done in the first place. This is another great little feature that should be on more discs.

Deleted scenes with optional director commentary
See the scenes that didn't make the cut, and hear Kidd tell you why. With the majority of them, you won't need Kidd to tell you why; it's obvious.

"New York at Night: The Roger Dodger walking tour with Jesse Eisenberg"
Jesse takes you to the night spots of New York. It's cool to see NYC in it's most real, raw form. Plus, you see just how good a job Kidd did capturing that feel.

Player's Guide to Scoring With Women
I'm not even going to say anything about this one. Just check it out.
(it still makes me chuckle)

Another great little film that I'm very pleased found its way into my DVD collection. Campbell Scott is outstanding, and certainly deserves more featured roles. He's one of the unsung heros of modern film that brings quality, heart, and a touch of class to every project he's on. Check it out on one of those nights you'd like to stay in and catch a good little flick. You won't be disappointed.