Bang the drum, mopey: "The Visitor"

Finally got a chance to use some of those free passes I got when the movie theater cut off the last 10 minutes of "There Will Be Blood." Remember? "There isn't any more," the theater employee said. I think Paul Dano would beg to differ.

Anyway, My Beacon of Heavenly Goodness and I stole away for a late Sunday afternoon showing of "The Visitor," of which I recalled knowing two things: (1) It starred the dead dad from "Six Feet Under," and (2) it was supposed to be like "The Station Agent," which made sense because it was directed by the same guy. Go figure.

Our story opens with Richard Jenkins as an econ prof in Connecticut who is sleepwalking through life. His wife is dead, he can't figure out how to play the piano, and he doesn't care about his classes or his book. Then he gets forced to go to New York City to present a paper, and upon entering his apartment finds it has been rented illegally to two illegal immigrants, a guy from Syria and a woman from Senegal. Awk. Ward.

Our hero decides to let the folks stay a couple of days. What, he's got something better to do? He soon learns the guy plays the bongo drums, or African drums, or whatever you want to call those drums you hold between your knees and slap with your hands. Our hero is intrigued. This may the rhythm he's missing in his life. And the couple isn't bad. And when a crisis brings the guy's mom to town, Jenkins decides she isn't too shabs, either.

It's an odd but good story, and ironic in a way. Drums and rhythm play a key role, but the movie felt quiet throughout. Just seemed like people were always thinking and contemplating all the time. Not just Jenkins' character, who clearly is trying to find a reason to break out of his funk. Also the woman from Senegal, and the Syrian guy's mom ... and heck, I guess the Syrian guy, too. A lot of scenes of people looking at each other and thinking about them. And it worked.

All four main players are good, but Jenkins really shines. Here's a guy who has been around forever and, to me at least, has been a funny guy on the side. I first noticed him in "Flirting with Disaster," and loved his tiny role as a shrink in "There's Something About Mary." But you know what? He's a real actor. Did you see "North Country?" Damn solid as Charlize Theron's dad. And the "Six Feet Under" role wasn't a breeze, either.

In his first lead role, though, Jenkins reaches a new level, and it's a shame "The Visitor" came out this early. Had it been released in the fall, people would definitely be talking Oscar. I have no idea what else will be in the mix, but I really hope our man Rich can overcome the odds and stay on enough people's radar to score a nom. Even better, if he wins, Jenkins can step to the mic and remind everyone that highway rest areas are the bath houses of the '90s ...