It takes daring to build a film around a discombobulated loser who sells coupons and can barely splutter out a sentence; it takes vision to make his desperation ours. Frownland, Ronald Bronstein's startling comedy, is like a mumblecore Eraserhead directed by John Cassavetes. It's a look at a New York ''bohemia'' that's passed its expiration date. You may not realize that Dore Mann, who's like the harmless twit son of Son of Sam, is acting, but when he lurches through a nightmare party as ''Jailhouse Rock'' echoes, he's as poignant as a modern-day Hunchback of Notre-Dame. A-
OscarWatch TV: 'Avatar' as underdog?
Dave Karger and Missy Schwartz on the rise of ''Hurt Locker,'' Sandra leapfrogging Meryl for Best Actress
More
Totally 'Lost'!
Get up to speed for the final season:
New theories and news from Doc Jensen, exclusive video, photos, trivia, and more
More
Add your comment
The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.