Jakob the Liar Review
by Joy Wyse (jwyse AT onlineworks DOT com)September 28th, 1999
REVIEW
By Joy Wyse, the SILVER Screen Critic
Jakob, the Liar, Starring Robin Williams, Alan Arkin, Bob Balaban, Hannah Taylor-Gordon, Michael Jeter, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Liev Schreiver. Directed by Peter Kassovitz
It is not an easy task to dramatize a sad and depressing time in history. Last year’s Life is Beautiful was able to teach a lesson about the holocaust through laughter. Although Robin Williams is noted for his humor and wonderful characterizations, even he is unable to make this an enjoyable film.
The Polish Jews depicted are not in a concentration camp, but are residents of a ghetto where they are deprived of most essentials of life. They are contained in their own little space behind walls and barbed wire fences.
Before the war Jakob Heym (Williams) was the owner of a nice little restaurant, but lack of supplies has forced him to suspend operations and he exists in an area above the old eatery.
Kowalsky (Balaban), the town barber, has not received a new razor blade for years, but he manages to shave Jakob each and every day. In return, he was supposed to receive some now non-existent latkes from Jakob. When Jakob discovers that the despondent barber is about to commit suicide, he reminds him of his promise to shave him, thereby postponing the hanging.
The lack of news from the outside world has led to depression for most of the neighbors. One day Jakob accidentally overhears a news broadcast that tells of the Russian approach to their town. He shares this announcement with one person, who tells another, then another, and so on until everyone know about it. Although it is forbidden to own a radio, they all assume that Jakob really didn’t “overhear” the news. They are certain that he has a hidden radio.
There is a subplot involving a young refugee who finds herself in Jakob’s care. It is she, not a radio that is hidden.
This is a dark movie, not only in content, but also in its cinematography. At times it is difficult to distinguish what is going on in the numerous shadows. This lack of contrast will only become worse when it comes to television.
Robin Williams and everyone else in the cast are very good in their roles, and basically, it is a good story with an impressive ensemble. There is just too much depression here for me. I don’t need that. I won’t watch it again. For that reason, I give it a C.
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
