Lymelife

Brother’s Steve & Derick Martini (director) wrote this film based on their Long Island upbringing in the 70’s. If you’ve seen the film The Ice Storm, I think you’ll agree that it has a very similar feel, although slightly more humorous. This may sound strange considering the movie is named after a debilitating disease; however, Lyme Disease is not the basis of the plot, it’s just weaved interestingly into the fabric of the story.

Which is told from the perspective of a skinny, self-conscious youth, played appealingly by Rory Culkin. He deals with a bully, long-time crush, an older brother on leave from the service and his parent’s marriage falling apart; all with a kind of observatory quality. Alec Baldwin is his big bag of wind, blu- collar turned white-collar, Real Estate Developer, father. He’s the type of guy who really has no clue how to relate to his wife and sons, but is at least interested in trying. Jill Hennessy (see interview below) was a surprising choice to play the over-protective mother, longing for her life back in the Bronx, but her accent was believable and she matched up with Baldwin, better than you’d think. Cynthia Nixon also plays against type as a loose, flashy, adulteress. New comer, Emma Roberts (niece of Julia) possesses a fairytale beauty and poise. It’s not hard to imagine her career taking off in a similar fashion to her aunts.
It’s her character’s father that holds the key to the movie’s title. He describes having Lyme disease as a constant trip on LSD.

Steve Martini and Rory Culkin were on hand for the Q & A after the premiere. A woman in the audience accused the filmmaker of making light of this often misdiagnosed sickness. Martini’s response was that the character is based on his childhood memories of his girlfriend’s father, who suffered with the disease. Also the Lyme Disease Prevention Association is working closely with Lymelife’s distributor because the Assoc. feels the movie is helpful in bringing awareness.

Spoiler alert!
Rory Culkin (19) was asked if his sex scene with Emma Roberts (17) was embarrassing. You could just tell he wanted to say, filming the scene wasn’t half as embarrassing as being asked this question by a matronly old woman (60ish).
End alert

All in all, the script is tight, probably due to one of it’s illustrious producers, Martin Scorsese. Martini didn’t mention how two neophyte filmmakers were able to attached Alec Baldwin to their script who in turn brought along Scorsese, but really cool for them!

Rating: Pretty Index Toe