It's not surprising that Mr. Jealousy didn't do well in theaters. The main character is obsessive and a liar, and by the end there's no guarantee that he's made any certain progress--which is part of what makes Mr. Jealous... more »y such a sharp, insightful movie. The plot is entertaining to begin with: Lester (Eric Stoltz), a blocked writer, becomes obsessed with one of his girlfriend Ramona's former boyfriends, Dashiell (Chris Eigeman), who's recently published an enormously successful book and become a celebrity author. By chance, Lester discovers that Dashiell is taking group therapy; Lester joins the group and pretends to be his friend Vince (Carlos Jacott). When Vince learns about this, he insists that Lester tell him everything that goes on so that he can undergo therapy by proxy. The lies compound until Lester's relationship with Ramona (Annabella Sciorra) hangs by a thread. The writing is clever, yet never at the expense of the reality of the characters. Lester's jealousy is portrayed with almost excruciating details that make it both genuine and funny. The women in the film are not as developed as the men, but the performances are strong throughout. Fans of writer-director Noah Baumbach's first film, Kicking and Screaming, will not be disappointed. Maybe in the more intimate setting of video Mr. Jealousy will find the audience it deserves. --Bret Fetzer« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 8/16/2023...
Something about this movie didn't sit right with me. I'm not sure if it was the voice-over of him telling us what was happening or the topic of the dishonesty. I thought it was a Rom-Com or at least a comedy, but I found neither in it.
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
A Jealous Guy...
K. Scott | Australia | 04/25/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have to confess that I am a fan of Chris Eigeman. So, I have worked my way through all of the movies that I know he has been in. Luckily, he is always in good movies! Mr Jealousy is about one man's (Eric Stoltz) obsession with wanting to know everything about his girlfriend's (Annabella Sciorra) past. This leads him to a therapy group, which just happens to be attended by his girlfriend's ex (Chris Eigeman). The problems that occur are funny and sad at the same time.Noah Baumbach's film is funny and subtle. All the actors are well suited to the script, and Chris Eigeman shines (as usual). It is interesting to see Eigeman in this role, as he is not so sarcastic as he has been in previous roles. I think that his talent as an actor is really highlighted in this film.This film is another one that you do need to listen to in order to get the most out of it. You can't just put it on in the background and expect to love it. It is, however, an easy film to watch. This is just the kind of film to watch with a group of like minded friends who enjoy talking about a movie after watching it. Or do as I did, and put on the video and watch it snuggled up in a comfy chair with a coffee..."
Great movie, but not for the masses!
Shadow Moon | Fort Worth, Tx United States | 05/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Before I saw anything else, let it be known that if you watch films ONLY for entertainment, skip this movie. You won't have the patience for it.With that said, let's talk about this movie.First off, its great! Great acting, great script, even nice camera work. However, this film is not for everyone.If you're already an indie fan, I think you'll enjoy this movie right off the bat. But if you're not used to indie films, it has to grow on you.This is the type of movie thats not quite a comedy, not quite a drama. It has funny momments, but if you expect funny momments every ten minutes you'll be disapointed.If you like offbeat, non mainstream movies, I think you'll enjoy this film. If you want to find out whether or not you enjoy offbeat films, this is a great one to test yourself on (I suggest watching it twice before you judge it).If you're used to Julia Roberts type romantic comedies, skip this one."
This is a great film.
cadmus79 | Alabama | 06/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved this movie, and for some reason didn't see it when it first came out. My girlfriend made me watch it which is kind of a bad sign but I think for all the right reasons. Great acting and music, it's funny and kind of sadly weird too. I'd never heard of it, but now I'm showing it to my friends."
Great follow-up to Kicking and Screaming!
skipmccoy | Los Angeles, CA USA | 09/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I first saw Kicking and Screaming, I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it. I didn't think it would stay with me and endear itself more and more with each viewing, but it did. When I heard that Noah Baumbach was making a new film- I had to see it right away. I was not dissapointed. Mr. Jealousy is a great comedy with many hilarious and pensive moments. Baumbach has a great little troop of actors that he works with-these include Eric Stoltz, Chris Eigeman, and the amazing Carlos Jacott(played Otis in Kicking). Baumbach weaves a very enjoyable, neuroitically comic story where a jealous man invades his current girlfriend's ex-boyfriend's group therapy. It gets funnier from there. I love this film and find that films from a guy like Noah Baumbach or Wes Anderson are of the kind that define a person's sense of humor. Everyone that I am close to loves films like these and I find that comforting. Buy it now!!"
"Do People Still Spit in the Cream Pitcher?"
Michael D. Weiss | New York | 02/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While Mr. Jealousy hinges on the darker side of relationships than did Noah Baumbach's first feature, Kicking and Screaming, it's still a smartly stylized romantic comedy you're not likely to find at the top of the box office--but that's usually a good thing. In the tradition of Woody Allen and Jean Renoir (catch the Rules of the Game reference at the beginning of the film), Baumbach has crafted a neurotic, idiosyncratic love story, that, unlike Allen especially, seems to recover from its human folly with a somewhat optimistic ending. You're liable to laugh out loud at all of Carlos Jacott's (the real Vince's) scenes, as he pretty much reprises his role from Kicking and Screaming as a vulnerable yet loveable goofball--his moments in group therapy alone are worth seeing the flick."