Juno

By Liem Vu
December 24, 2007

In the midst of North America's revolving door of trends and fads, the indie genre is consistently exalted as the pinnacle of artistic originality, creativity, and ingenuity whether it is in music, fashion, or film. In terms of the film industry, while this claim can often be applicable, Hollywood has had its fair share of indie failures such as Thumbsucker starring Vince Vaughn.

However, the recently released indie film Juno, has more than satisfied and awarded faithful indie film lovers everywhere. It offers an unorthodox look at teenage pregnancy through the sardonic eyes of an impregnated Juno, played by Ellen Page.

Tonally, the surreal atmosphere of the film is established early on as the opening frames show Juno guzzling a two litre jug of Sunny D. And with a rebellious stroke of her sleeve, she wipes her mouth while gazing at the brown recliner where she and Bleeker (Michael Cera) consummated their awkward affection. Following this momentary reflection, Juno walks off frame and re-emerges once again as an animated character for the duration of the opening credits.

Never quite taking itself too seriously, the film is filled with dry and awkward humor executed with exquisite timing and delivery. This is not so surprising considering the film stars Arrested Development's Jason Bateman and Michael Cera, and other comedy heavyweights, J.K. Simmons (as Juno's father) and Rainn Wilson (in a brief cameo).

However, the film is still able to strike an amazing balance between drama and comedy. Never quite over-saturating itself with too much humour or too much drama, the theme lies in its portrayal of human growth as it addresses puppy love, marriage, and self-discovery.

With the comedic element provided by Simmons, Cera, and Page, the remaining cast solidifies the dramatic component of the film. While Garner is best known as playing sexy spy Sydney Bristow in Alias, here, she is able to portray an uptight working wife of Bateman who values independence and a rigid life structure. What is amazing about her portrayal is that she is able to depict a sense of fragility, as well as strength while hoping to adopt Juno's unborn child.

In contrast, Bateman plays the "whipped" husband, a musician and free spirit at heart that is stuck between his wife's oppressive controlling nature. Bateman's nuanced performance is sympathetic and hopeful as he begins to rediscover his passion and love by spending time with Juno.

Even in the midst of these experienced high caliber actors, the two most notable roles in the film are played by Michael Cera and Ellen Page. Cera's role as Paulie Bleeker is never quite as large as Page's nor as evolutionary as Bateman's but nonetheless, he is able to grace the screen with a presence that just screams awkward adolescence.

Page, on the other hand, for a 20-year-old actress, is remarkably in tune with her acting chops. Not only is she able to spin out screenwriter Diablo Cody's quips with great sincerity and eloquence, she also gives a heartbreaking performance of a teenage girl searching for the perfect stable family.

For a relatively new actress, Page has proven her adeptness in portraying young yet mature characters as seen in Hard Candy. Consistent with her past projects, Page has successfully proven herself as a leading lady once again in Juno. Even when sharing scenes with Bateman, Cera, Garner, or Simmons, there is never a moment where she is overshadowed.

Appropriately released during the holiday season, Juno is a film that is able to intellectually stimulate the funny bone while concurrently offering a dosage of emotionally charged performances. While compared by many to Little Miss Sunshine, Juno's originality gives the film its own distinct identity. With its brilliant screenplay, perfectly refined performances, and folk rock soundtrack, Juno is the underdog film of the year.

Running Time: 1 hour, 32 minutes
Certification: Canada: PG
Director: Jason Reitman
Producers: Lianne Helfon, John Malkovich, Mason Novick, and Russell Smith
Executive Producers: Joseph Drake, Daniel Dubiecki, and Nathan Kahane
Screenplay: Diablo Cody
Director of Photography: Eric Steelberg
Editor: Dana E. Glauberman
Music: Mateo Messina