The Cake Eaters

Anyone who knows me well can tell by now that I am a sucker for any Kristen Stewart film. I stumbled upon this little film of her's while watching 'At the Movies'. Most of society knows Kristen because she is the subject of tabloid Hollywood news magazines. She plays Bella in the Twilight Saga, and as for that movie, it is really minor work of her's. I have been a fan ever since I saw her in 'Panic Room' back in 2002. More work of her's include 'Speak', 'Into the Wild', 'Jumper', and 'Adventureland'. She is really one of the more talented young actors out there today.
'The Cake Eaters' is a small town film by first time director Mary Stuart Masterson. The film opens with a wonderful scene in which we meet two of the main characters; Easy played by Bruce Dern, and Beagle played by Aaron Stanford. We get a strong sense of the relationship that plays a major role in the plot of this film. Early on we also get introduced to Georgia, played by Kristen Stewart. Georgia is a terminally ill girl who gives an award worthy performance. Georgia cannot walk very well and speaks like she just underwent oral surgery. Knowing that she does not have much time left in this life, Georgia wants to experience love and sex for the first time. She takes a liking to Beagle when they meet at a flea market. She notices that he works at her school in the cafeteria and asks him to come over and help her with her homework. Although he is much older than her, we can already tell early on that Beagle is a gentle soul who is not after anything inappropriate. The two connect on a level that is not always easily portrayed on film. Also at the flea market, we are introduced to Marg. This is Georgia's grandmother and she is played by Elizabeth Ashley. There is an apparent relationship or connection evident between Easy and Marg that is not fully developed until later in the film.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a film about relationships. Beagle connects with his father and has, in a way, overstayed his run at the nest. This fact is however overshadowed and overlooked because he was helping his father care for his mother. She was on her way out. Beagles brother Guy (Jayce Bartok) enters the picture having been gone for years. He is a struggling musician who left for the big city. He didn't even make it back for the funeral. Old family ghosts resurface as tension rises between the three men of the house at this point. As Guy reunites with his ex girlfriend at the time of his departure from home, he discovers she has moved on and has a family of her own. He is completely disgusted by himself and the choices he made in the past. This, if anything about his character, is most evident. Although not belligerent, public intoxication follows. As Beagle and Georgia's relationship moves forward, we are exposed to an illegitimate fling between Easy and Marg that took place over many years even when the boys mother was alive. As Beagle discovers this, he explodes and there is a powerful confrontational scene involving the three men of that household. Georgia and Beagle go out for the day and night and explaining any more of these events would completely ruin the film.
'The Cake Eaters' is a film about family. That much is evident. But it is much more than that. Georgia's mother is present in the film, but their relationship is never fully developed. We understand that they don't understand each other. The mother treats her almost as more of a chore than a daughter. We know she cares, but does Georgia? I really dislike the mothers character. She subjects Georgia to photography that some misconstrue as pornography. No nudity, but suggestive poses. Marg explains it as a way for her daughter to bring awareness of Georgia's disability. I don't approve. Georgia's rocky relationship with her mother is complimented by Beagle's feelings of loss having lost his mother. This area of emotion is never discussed because it really doesn't need to be. I may be crazy by even looking into it. The mothers character is horrible in my opinion. I really was not expecting much visually from this film. The subject matter does not really call for it. Mary Stuart Masterson is new at the filmmaking game and shows no interest in lighting or cinematography. I am not saying I want hand held camera work and mood enhancing lighting in a drama that looks at family, but more interesting work could have been done. Overall, this is a strong film with strong performances and story. I recommend this film highly.