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Expansive Salinger biopic 'Rebel in the Rye' seeks to know the man through his relationships
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Director Danny Strong talks with actor Nicholas Hoult on the set of "Rebel in the Rye." - photo by Josh Terry
REBEL IN THE RYE 2 stars Nicholas Hoult, Kevin Spacey, Zoey Deutch, Sarah Paulson; PG-13 (some language, including sexual references, brief violence and smoking); in general release

Rebel in the Rye is an attempt to understand author J.D. Salinger through his different relationships. But while the angles are plentiful, this broad biopic of the famous reclusive author of The Catcher in the Rye feels like it might have benefitted from a little more focus and depth.

Director Danny Strongs effort follows Salingers life in mostly chronological fashion, opening in the late 1930s as he enrolls at Columbia University, determined to become a successful writer. It is here that we are introduced to the key relationship that will drive most of the film, as Salinger (Nicholas Hoult) meets his future mentor, creative writing professor Whit Burnett (Kevin Spacey).

Burnett is a savvy taskmaster, more than capable of handling Salingers abrasive personality and spouting quotable bits of literary counsel like nothing is more sacred than story at every turn. He inspires Salingers growth as a writer, and as editor of Story magazine, eventually gives the young man his first publishing credit.

Salingers love life is also a focal point, and his relationship with Oona ONeill (Zoey Deutch), the socialite daughter of celebrated playwright Eugene ONeill, is another key thread in the film and Salingers mental health right up until she marries Charlie Chaplin instead. She marries Chaplin because World War II has swept Salinger away from his blossoming literary success (helmed by his agent, Dorothy Olding, played by Sarah Paulson) and to the European front, via the Normandy beaches.

The war represents another of Salingers troubled relationships, though its influence eventually leads to some of his greatest work, including the first chapters of what would be Catcher in the Rye. Upon returning home, Salingers prewar literary progress is derailed by post-traumatic stress disorder, and for a time, he is unable to write anything about his fictional muse, Holden Caulfield. He also has a falling out with Burnett, but picks up another mentoring relationship under the meditative tutelage of Swami Nikhilananda (Bernard White).

Altogether, Rebel in the Rye pieces together a kind of upper class rags-to-successful literary riches story, which then goes dark once again when Salingers sudden fame for Catcher drives him and his second wife Claire (Lucy Boynton) into seclusion. The film is ultimately an attempt to tell the story of how Salinger became the famous recluse who never published again and tries to explore the different literary theories and philosophies that took him to that place.

Aspiring and accomplished writers will find numerous relatable themes and platitudes, including imagine the book that you would want to read, and then go write it. At times, Strongs script feels a little too ready and willing with such quote-worthy expressions, but it helps to have a veteran like Spacey delivering them.

Hoult does a solid job as Salinger, and Victor Garbers customary stoic demeanor is a perfect match for Salingers disapproving father Sol, who completes the relationship that perhaps drove the author more than any other. Yet as much as Rebel in the Rye suggests that Caulfield is a barely fictionalized personification of Salinger himself, a study of the authors relationship with his most celebrated character may prove the most effective in understanding the man.

Theres more than one way to learn about J.D. Salinger (the 2013 documentary Salinger also springs to mind), but a reread of Catcher in the Rye might be the best recommendation of all.

Rebel in the Rye is rated PG-13 for some language including sexual references, brief violence and smoking; running time: 106 minutes.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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