Keeping the Faith

(source: tmdb.org

Role of Derek Vinyard in American History X is often considered one of the best in the career of Edward Norton. His performance looks even better considering difficulties during production, including instances when director Tony Kaye used to walk out of the set in anger. During those circumstances Norton was taking over and finishing direction of the scene. This experience inspired Norton to try his hand as proper director, which he did with 2000 romantic comedy Keeping the Faith.

Two protagonists are Jacob “Jake” Schramm (played by Ben Stiller) and Brian Kilkenney Finn (played by Norton), two men who are best friends since school and who maintained friendship despite their different ethnicities taking them to different yet similar career paths. Jake became a Jewish rabbi, while Brian became Catholic priest. Both live in the same New York City neighbourhood and both use new “hip” methods to bring the faithful to synagogue or church, much to displeasure of their conservative superiors. The different faiths, on the other hand, create different sets of problem for two men. Jake became not just religious authority for his community, but also as a prime candidate for marriage, so each and any Jewish mother tries to introduce him to her daughter. Brian, as a Catholic priest, must adhere to the vow of celibacy. Their friendship and vows will be tested when their school friend Anna Reilly (played by Jenna Elfmann) returns to New York after years of absence. During the reunion both men can’t fail to notice that their friend, who became successful businesswoman, is physically attractive and both develop romantic feelings for her. Jake actually starts relationship with Anna, but the pair keeps it a secret from Brian in order not to hurt his feelings. The bigger obstacle for relationship is Jake’s decision not to marry Anna, because he fears that his position in community could be jeopardise with marriage to a non-Jew.

Norton’s decision to try his hand in the seemingly undemanding genre of romantic comedy might have looked easy. The script by Stuart Bloomberg, on the other hand, looks refreshingly without cliches that would otherwise any other film of the same type. Commonly used motive of love triangle serves as a basis for the story that actually tries to seriously, and with respect unusual for Hollywood these days, explore role of religion in modern life. Blumberg clearly show dilemmas and temptations that await all those who try to follow the traditional ways, while not taking sides in the debate, showing that both those sticking to tradition and adopting modern ways is legitimate choice. This makes Keeping the Faith one of the less preachy and more humanistic films to come from Hollywood in recent decades, and it also features clear message in praise of ecumenism and tolerance while avoiding “politically correct” sermons.

Norton did solid job as a director, but the film would be better remembered for his work in front of camera. He has shown that he can handle comedy as well as dark thrillers or depressive dramas. His colleague Ben Stiller, who, on the other hand, worked mostly in comedies, is equally good in the role which is somewhat more serious than in There’s Something About Mary. Both men are overshadowed by Jenna Elfman, comedienne that mostly worked in television and whose previous attempts at big screen, like in EdTV, weren’t the most fortunate. Here she plays character that isn’t the beautiful in the traditional sense, but whose charm and intelligence easily wins over men, even those whose religious beliefs are supposed to prevent them from pursuing her. The rest of the cast is also good, including veterans like Eli Wallach and Anne Banncroft and young Ken Leung in the short but impressive role of audio equipment salesman. Miloš Forman, renowned Czech film maker who directed Norton in The People vs. Larry Flynt, also appears in the small role of Norton’s mentor. The film is also full of subtle references to earlier films featuring Norton or his friends. On the other hand, excessive length of this film might be an issue for viewers short of time or patience and the love triangle motive isn’t handled as effective as it could been. Those flaws, however, shouldn’t discourage viewers, even those who aren’t too enthusiastic about romantic comedies, to give Keeping the Faith a chance.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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Keeping the Faith is the most entertaining, thoughtful, and satisfying movie I have seen in a while, combining all of the old jokes, a lovely romance, and some righteously humorous scenes. Then, who is to be credited? Is it possible that the funny Ben Stiller would emerge from his post-Something There's About Mary funk? Jenna Elfman, who is both witty and beautiful, may be the one who shines. Maybe Stuart Blumberg, the screenwriter, came up with the similarly profound and humorous script. My vote goes to Edward Norton, who makes a tremendous directorial debut here and breaks into the realm of comedy.

In New York City, Jake (Ben Stiller), Brian (Edward Norton), and Anna (Jenna Elfman) grew up as best friends. Since Anna's father took a job out west after eighth grade, Jake and Brian were left with just each other to finish their childhoods. The moment has gone. Jake and Brian are still the best of friends, even though their occupations – Rabbi and Priest, respectively – would suggest otherwise. They are known as "God Squad" on inner-city basketball courts and as reformers in their respective houses of worship. They're working together to open a Catholic/Jewish nightclub with karaoke. This isn't a conflict for Brian at all. On the other hand, Jake's colleagues at the synagogue are concerned about his prayer/meditation sessions, improvisation-filled sermons, and, most recently, Jake's acquisition of a gospel choir to revitalize the congregation.

Brian then receives a phone call one day. Soon, the two religious leaders are holding a sign that reads "Anna Banana" at a LaGuardia airport. The girl who used to be the third member of the trio is now a wealthy businesswoman who makes jokes about her friendship with her computer. Among confessions, Bar-Mitzvah lectures, phone calls, and community attempt to support Jake with his pathetic love life; there are years of catching up to do.

To summarize, three single friends haven't seen each other in over a decade. Two of them, a man and a woman, are unmarried, and the third has taken an oath that forbids him from dating. The rest is up to you to find out. All three actors, Norton, Stiller, and Elfman, give outstanding comic performances. Norton's performance as an exaggerated alcoholic sets the tone for a film that will crack jokes about serious subjects. Both Elfman and Stiller attempt and excel at double-duty, not only attempting to be hilarious but also romantic and, on rare occasions, ultra-serious.

Keeping the Faith is so hilarious. Circumcision, holy water, and Jewish mother jokes all make for amusing moments. However, the overall humour stems from the unlikely case with best mates affirming and leading their respective faiths.

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