Film Talk: The Visitor

The Visitor has received a glimmer of attention from the Academy, with Richard Jenkins receiving a best actor nomination. This nomination is entirely justified as this moving story of friendship, change, and redemption is largely carried by Jenkins – and his ability to relate, understand, emphasize, and eventually befriend the “visitors” that come into his life, unexpectedly.

The Pink Mixer doubts he’ll win, as too many people haven’t even heard of this film, let alone seen it. Still, major upsets have been known to happen, so we don’t recommend sitting around holding your breath.

Win or no win, this film is definitely worth a rental. Walter (Jenkins) is an alienated, detached college professor living in Connecticut, whose school sends him to New York University to attend a conference. Once in the city, he discovers a young couple – victims of a real estate scam – living in his own NY apartment. In a display of sympathy for these “tenants” who have no where else to go, Walt allows them to stay in the apartment with him. Their lives become intertwined, building an unexpected yet important friendship.