In Infinitely Polar Bear, Mark Ruffalo gives one of his best performances to date as a manic-depressive father of two young girls determined to put his life and family back together after suffering a breakdown. When he's released from a mental health facility, Cam (Ruffalo) gets a place of his own thanks to his wealthy parents and is forced to take on a more substantial parenting role when his supportive but understandably wary wife (Zoe Saldana) starts studying at Columbia.
The directorial debut of Maya Forbes may not present the most nuanced depiction of mental illness — opting to present a slightly more palatable version that favours endearing idiosyncrasies over the bleaker moments of depression — but the acting and some sharp writing are enough to make this a heartfelt charmer. Ashley Aufderheide and Imogene Wolodarsky bring surprising depth and understanding to the two children Cam is trying desperately not to disappoint.
(Mongrel Media)The directorial debut of Maya Forbes may not present the most nuanced depiction of mental illness — opting to present a slightly more palatable version that favours endearing idiosyncrasies over the bleaker moments of depression — but the acting and some sharp writing are enough to make this a heartfelt charmer. Ashley Aufderheide and Imogene Wolodarsky bring surprising depth and understanding to the two children Cam is trying desperately not to disappoint.