[yasr_overall_rating]
In 1951, Marcus, a working-class Jewish student from New Jersey, attends a small Ohio college, where he struggles with sexual repression and cultural disaffection, amid the ongoing Korean War.
Directed by James Schamus, “Indignation” provides a closeup look at the cultural war between atheism and faith that has raged in America for much of its history. It features a young Jewish man, Marcus (Logan Lerman), from New Jersey who follows his father’s advice and takes a scholarship to a small Christian college in Ohio in order to avoid the Korean War draft. There, he meets a troubled young woman, Olivia Hutton (Sarah Gadon), who introduces him to new experiences. Of course, their relationship suffocates under the repression of the day, forcing Marcus to defend himself against the overbearing culture of the school, represented by Dean Caudwell (Tracy Letts).
Schamus’ direction is confident and sure-handed as he navigates what has become familiar territory. Themes of sexual repression, personal beliefs and freedom of expression fill the landscape of this essentially straightforward story. Don’t be fooled, though. He creates a film full of subtleties with lots of room for interpretation. Set in the 1950s, it seems to debunk the idea of a “moral” golden age in America by showing the intense ideological push and pull buried just be-neath the surface of the veneer of order the 1950s presented. We see this struggle played out in the tense conversations between Marcus and Dean Caudwell, with Marcus’ frustrations boiling over time and again. While it is thoughtful for its duration, these moments of conflict pervade the calm atmosphere of campus Marcus tries to lose himself inside. Schamus skillfully brings it all to a powerful, though predictable, ending.
Logan Lerman gives a strong, indelible turn as Marcus. He’s a young man listing under the weight of heavy expectations from his father and his culture. While he momentarily escapes the physical danger of the war, he’s constantly in danger of losing his conscience amidst a society he feels burdened by. Gadon is wonderful as the vulnerable Olivia, whose own confidence takes even greater hits as she fails to understand the complexity surrounding Marcus and his viewpoint. She is a confident sexual maven who falls apart when faced with the consequences of her actions. These two head a brilliant cast featuring standout performances by Danny Burstein and Susan Varon as Marcus’ parents and Letts as the overbearing Dean Caudwell. Varon speaks for women everywhere who make sacrifices for their children. Burstein gives a compelling turn as a father whose worries for for his son threaten to destroy his family. Letts plays Caudwell as a man putting on the face of empathy with small amounts of smug condescension mixed in good measure. Each actor chips in a measure of authenticity that draws the audience cleanly into the film.
Schamus adapted “Indignation” from Philip Roth’s novel of the same name. His screenplay retains the repressed feel of the novel, evoking an era of American history which many have lionized. The tension in Lerman’s character echoes throughout the film, resonating more loudly as it reaches its climax. While some of the answers seem a bit too obvious upon further reflection, the screenplay keeps its central themes at the forefront. Olivia and Marcus feel authentic as stand-ins for whole groups of misunderstood individuals. The dialogue is so tight, it keeps its tension till the final frame.
With set design and costuming creating a thoroughly believable picture of the film’s time period, “Indignation”’s excellent cast takes over and provide all the momentum needed. You may have questions about young Marcus’ motives behind choosing the school he did, or whether he really thought he’d thrive in such an environment, but you’ll believe his conviction to remain true to himself and his family.
In select theaters including the Angelika Film Center in Dallas & Plano Friday, August 5th
