How to Be (2008) User Reviews

this movie really spoke to me.

[jacinta-wyld · 5/10 · 20 November 2012]

for people saying this isn't funny or whatever, its not a comedy. it just has its slightly humerus/tragic moments that may appear funny to you if you can relate.

to me, its kind of a mix between I <3 huccabees and ghost world. Yeah its kind of off beat and slow paced but that doesn't make it a bad film. I can completely relate to art, struggling to connect with a distant and dysfunctional family. he is frustrated with his life and struggling to see reason and purpose.

I liked this film, because it addresses dysfunctional families, mental health and feelings of disassociation with the world around us. And I'm not a fan of Robert really, so the assertion in earlier comments that only Patterson obsessed ppl would like it, and only out of bias, is very unfair to this film I think.

its rare to find films similar to this that really communicate this feeling of frustration and search for answers. all the characters seem very self involved, and that seems to be the way of the world. it has to be common to feel alone when no one actually listens to what you say.

'How To Be'....Melancholy

[MadameGeorge · 4/10 · 21 November 2009]

'How To Be' starts off strong but quickly turns into a drawn-out yawn of a movie. The plot progresses slowly and the character development of Art, played by a blasé Robert Pattinson, turns the viewer from understanding and caring (about what happens to his relationships) to annoyance. His mates are, in my opinion, there to fill the gaps in the story- they really never help Art in his quest for 'normal' and to be blunt- it was too difficult to understand what they were saying (at one point I had to turn on the subtitles so I knew what was going on) this is never a good sign.

There is hope, however, for the young Mr. Pattinson. Though Art seems like a lost cause from the first moment he lies, Robert in a small way- keeps this movie a float. At some points Art is such a downer (which is brought on by his own doing) that I found it hard to 'put' myself through the rest of the movie. There are comedic moments when Pattinson is charming and moments when he holds your attention (close to the end) but it does not change the outcome of the overall film witch just leads one to believe- yes, sometimes we all need a little help- and in this case it is the film that needs it.

'How To Be' could be considered an art house flick but it is 100% and Indie drama. The settings are the streets of England and the overall production creates the feeling that you are standing in the midst of their conversations (when you can understand them) and the music helps the movie along nicely, but then again the music is by and large,too drab.

Not funny for all yet a good movie

[dancefloor-addict · 6/10 · 17 August 2009]

After spending some time in the UK I honestly thought I get British humor. After watching this, I truly think I don't.

Although the movie is well produced, the character of Art played brilliantly by Pattinson, I found myself feeling mostly sorry for him and not seeing the funny part. I see the great job of all the people involved in the production but I can't say it suits my type of sense of humor. There were moments I smiled or half-smiled but never laughed at loud.

So, over all, I don't regret watching the movie, neither would I recommend it as a great, funny comedy .

Lovely, quirky, and polished film. Pattinson is great, but so is everything else.

[areesahm · 8 March 2009]

I attended the DC Independent Film Festival's screening of How To Be here in Washington, DC.

I loved it! I like quiet little movies like this. It's all dialogue-rich, and location sets, and natural composition. I thought the casting was perfect: the characters were organic and realistic, other than Dr. Ellington (the personal therapist) who was supposed to be a caricature rather than a true character in the film. This gave it a subtly surreal dynamic, which I thought was a nice touch.

The script was great, IMO. I generally like good character sketches, though, so I suppose I could see people who are not interested in the same being less than thrilled with it. But I like the themes that Art brings to the story. They are typical and simple themes, like love, direction, family, friends, work, sadness, happiness. The characters are wholly irreverent and hilariously unique. For a very small film, this script is nicely fleshed out.

The direction, production, and editing were great! I didn't catch any mistakes. They had a thorough cinematographer, too. I thought the lighting was pleasing, and the sound was mixed/edited nicely.

And yes. Rob Pattinson's performance is stellar. For being a self-proclaimed "untrained" actor, he's got such a wonderful and daring on-screen presence. Art is pathetic...so freakin' pathetic. And Pattinson embodies him with such precise depth. His comedic delivery, his physical timing, his vocal performance; I swear, it's all flawless. He really reaches inside himself to find that space where depression and anxiety live, and he dives into the process of putting himself back together again. You really root for the guy, pathetic as he is. As Pattinson's fame swells exponentially in the coming years, this one will become a sleeper testament to his acting chops--teeny bopper vampire love stories be damned.

Awful, beware of bias!

[codhubiv · 1/10 · 27 April 2009]

I also attended a viewing in Chicago (I was dragged along). I'm British myself, I love edgy humor and good writing, I didn't find it here.

Virtually the entire audience were die hard Robert Pattinson fans, some even wearing the T-Shirts - I'd never heard of the guy before that day. I'm pretty sure he could have starred at a wall for 2 hours and still got 10 stars from a lot of people reviewing.

The whole thing is very amateurish, you can tell it's a festival kind of movie, and in this case it isn't a good thing. The comic timing is terrible which makes it really hard to laugh at anything, it was more cringe-worthy - although again, in a cinema full of Pattinson fans he merely had to make the slightest gesture and the place was filled with roars of laughter – I was left just looking around in disbelief!

Good enough concept but an absolute fail on the execution side. I very much doubt this is going to find a distributor, as they see exactly what I see – And with the same lack of bias (i.e. not being in love with the lead actor!)

Only watch if you love Pattinson

[ltjoboyle · 1/10 · 31 March 2011]

I do struggle to see how people can seriously review this film higher than maybe a 3. I found the premise of the film to be quite interesting, but for me it failed to deliver- at all. I also knew that I quite enjoyed Robert Pattinson's music usually, and wondered that the character of Art may express his problems through some awesome music- but that didn't happen. Although, I have to admit, I didn't see the film through to the very end so it may suddenly flourish in the last few minutes, however I still wouldn't feel that a film is any good if you have to survive 95% of rubbish to reach something good.

The main weak point in this film is the acting. It's possible all the actors are usually quite good, myself I normally have no problem with Pattinson, but I found there was at best an amateurish feel from most of the cast. I felt I recognised the acting from how my class mates acted in school drama classes, without any real shreds of sincerity.

However there are a lot of reviewers who seemingly would disagree with me. Knowing the hysteria there is about Robert Pattinson, I feel that the high reviews may be sparked by his popularity, and if you love Pattinson then...well... he is in the film, so you will get another dose of him if that's what you're after. However, if you wish for anything else from a film (good acting, humour, excitement, drama, your time not feeling wasted) then you're unlikely to find it here.

Not for everyone, but I loved it

[SaintCrystal · 7/10 · 23 January 2008]

The funny thing about this film is in the first 3 minutes I'm saying to myself, that's Cedric Diggory, being the ignorant American I am. But after the 4th minute I could see no one but Art, the lovable and pathetic loser who just doesn't know how to get a handle on his life because he has no one to validate his existence. His parents loath him, his girlfriend dumps him, and his new age therapist seems to need Art more than Art needs him in the end. I came home from seeing this movie at Slamdance and described it to someone as "my life, except 20 something, and a guy, and in London, but other than that, EXACTLY my life!" The people I saw it with at Slamdance didn't get it, but they had much more "normal" upbringings. Like I said, I loved this movie because I could identify so much with it, and at the same time it was almost unbearable to watch because I saw so much of myself, the parts I'd rather leave to my own past. I commend the cast and crew for a very funny and heartfelt movie, and recommend everyone watch it with an open mind. It may not be your life, but it was someone's.

Forget It

[jehrsam · 1/10 · 30 March 2010]

This movie is not very good. It falls short in plot, acting, and entertainment. It is one of those that one thinks will get started any minute, but that minute never arrives. Robert Pattinson has great promise, yet doesn't live up to that promise in this movie. Robert spends way too much time looking through his hair and/or brushing out of his face. The film could probably be shortened by an hour if the hair pushing aside time was deleted. The other actors and actresses don't even try to save this disaster. The premise is interesting and has a lot of promise; however, the opportunity is muffed in its entirety.

Saw How to Be at Slamdance

[michelle-bird · 9/10 · 24 January 2008]

I was one of the lucky ones to see this movie at Slamdance. I absolutely loved this movie.

"This is not your typical Robert Pattinson movie. He doesn't play a good-looking, heart-throb. Robert plays Art, an insecure, confused, depressed, misfit who has no direction, no real social skills, and no support from his parents. His only love is music, but he sucks at that too. After the break up from his girlfriend, he basically looses it and has to move back in with his parents. This is his struggle to become "normal" so his parents and friends will accept and love him. He even goes to the extreme of hiring a self-help professional to help him. You will feel so sad for Art – trust me! Don't get me wrong, this movie contains endless British humor to lighten the subject up.

A wonderful independent movie with a great message. A job well done for Robert Pattinson.

Quite Enjoyable Film, A Nice Pattinson

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 25 March 2010]

A young man is a psychologically mess... his girlfriend leaves him, he doesn't mesh well with his friends, he loses his volunteer job. He turns to the strangest place for help: a Canadian therapist who moves in with him.

This is director Oliver Irving's first and only film, as of this writing. And it's a good one. It is an IFC film, and there's no denying it fits in that category alongside Wes Anderson films and perhaps "Garden State". This won't be as big, and with good reason, but thanks to Robert Pattinson's popularity, it will get more viewings from people who would otherwise never have heard of it.

I really enjoyed the therapist (who sadly appears to have passed during the making of this film). And Pattinson does a fine job as a whiny nerd. His character is incredibly annoying, but such a different one from "Twilight" or "Remember Me" that it gives me the sense that he just might have a bit of range inside of him and may someday break free of the Edward Cullen trap.

I don't get British humor

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 9 December 2013]

Art (Robert Pattinson) is a depressed poet musician who is searching for some meaning in his life. His mother (Rebecca Pidgeon) doesn't get it. His girlfriend breaks up with him. He finds a self-help web site touting Dr. Ellington (Powell Jones)'s book "It's Not Your Fault". He is so in awe that he convinces the author to come live with him.

I don't get the humor. It is undoubtedly very quirky. But it's also very dull. There is no energy anywhere on the screen. Robert Pattinson does a good and proper job of portraying this confused depressed kid. I think he's the only one working here. Everybody else is ridiculously mannered. The doctor is super creepy without being funny. Rebecca Pidgeon is stiff as a board.

The plot, the writing, the dialog, the acting all lack any power. It's only an indie is not a good excuse. This is really a movie for Pattinson fans only. Because he's the only good thing here.

Creative reproduction of the transition from a teen life to adult life

[gablaj-586-806965 · 8/10 · 18 November 2009]

In my opinion, I thought this was a wonderful film for anybody who can relate. I've recently lived through this type of situation and the confusion, sadness and disjointedness Art feels trough out the film is all very... what word would be best to describe this... exact. Or almost. The film has been given the title of a comedy and, I agree. Though the production is more of a drama, you do have your sudden outbursts of laughter in those unexpected moments of comedic weirdness. I also appreciated the range of different actors in the film. It's in these types of movies you can actually see real acting talent. It's a must watch for any teen who is lost right now.

How To Be Quite Dull

[stoogio-730-343418 · 3/10 · 7 May 2010]

Oh dear! I'm all for Brit films and a good dose of Brit humour, me being British & all, but this film was pretty dire. I really wanted to like it as I think Rob Pattinson is quite a talented chap but it was a bit of a non-starter for me. I agree with a couple of reviewers here - many people are so hung up on Pattinson that they would award 10 stars for any project he did. I think he did as best he could with the character but it really wasn't too much of a test of his acting abilities; I expect he found it much more challenging to be forced to wear those hideous, polyester trousers throughout the whole of the shoot. He did quite well at acting like a freakish loser but Johnny White takes the prize for doing it the best!

How To Be is Alive!

[calitabonita · 10/10 · 22 October 2008]

When the lights dimmed in the Canal Place Cinema, I didn't know exactly what to expect. Within mere moments, I'd forgotten that I was in the heart of New Orleans and found myself completely enthralled with the opening words; a curious and heartbreaking monologue by the film's main character, Art. By the time his face entered the frame, there was no trace of "Robert Pattinson", there was simply Art, awkward and tender, wholly befuddled by the biting world he attempted to navigate.

There is something so uniquely true to life about this film. It explored the murky themes of family bonds and the all-too-often lacks thereof, the lonely defeat of indecision and that maddening dance of knowing exactly who you want to be, but finding yourself completely eluded by how to be that person. Of course, just like life, even in the darkest of mind states there is laughter and those who stand by your side. Those who perhaps see that you are farther along than you'd have yourself believe.

What inspired me most was the theme of perseverance in the face of echoing fiascoes. And the beautiful depiction of the gritty truth that sometimes you must strip yourself down and let go of the familiar in order to clear the debris from your path. I've seen no better representation of this reality facet than that which takes place when Art finally decides to seize control of his personal veracity and his place here on Earth.

I've often described this movie as "perfect", an audacious description that I do not bestow lightly. The soulful direction of Oliver Irving serves as a magnifying glass over the raw and genuine performances of the superbly selected cast. Each actor brings his/her best to the table and seem to share with each other the exact notion of what the story is all about; breathing irrefutable life into this polished gem of an indie film.

The dynamic between Art, Ronny and Nikki was so natural and well-executed that I quite honestly forgot they were merely fictional friends in a film. Their ad-libbed endeavors were so flawless that a missed beat did not exist and undoubtedly added to the authenticity of their quirky, endearing friendships.

Johnny White had me rolling in the aisles as the quick-witted, flat-dwelling, nitrous-huffing Ronny. The best thing about his portrayal was the fact that he brought the funny in a big way without his character realizing just how amusing he was. Not to take away from his dramatic ability, however; for one of the most surprisingly downhearted elements of the film was his to bear.

Mike Pearce, who described himself as the epitome of the non-actor, shined as Nikki, the flamboyant go-getter who loved the ladies and brought some much needed lightheartedness to the trio of lovable misfits. I'm very much inclined to respectfully disagree with his humble self-assessment and look forward to seeing him on the big screen in the future.

Robert Pattinson's performance was above and beyond anything I could have imagined, and I went into this movie with high expectations for this role. Through him, Art came to life in a way that I've never experienced in a film and for 85 glorious minutes I shared his dolor, his elation, his anxiety and his laughter as though I was watching the story of someone I'd known my whole life. His approach to Art's graceless good intentions was one of exceptional skill that you seldom find in a relatively inexperienced actor.

Simply put, he is brilliant; a knowledge that doesn't really hit you until the credits start rolling when you remember that it was in fact Pattinson and not solely Art that you'd been watching and fervently routing for during the last hour and a half.

To bottom line it; this movie is a down-right hilarious journey through the dark struggles of a misshapen diamond in the rough. It left this movie-goer breathless, deep in thought and comforted by the true fact that sometimes we all need a little help and the best person for the job is ultimately yourself.

A movie worth seeing

[hillklimczak · 10/10 · 9 March 2009]

How To Be is an independent film written and directed by Oliver Irving. Humor and anguish are expertly integrated into the story of Art Freeman (played exquisitely by Robert Pattinson), a twenty-something lovable loser who feels that his life is less than it should be.

The movie follows Art along a path of discovery and maturity, both for himself and his life-long friend, the agoraphobic Ronny (a superb performance by Johnny White). Art spends his time working at a local grocery store and volunteering in an attempt to make something of his life; although his true passion is his songwriting and performing. When his girlfriend, Jessica (Alisa Arnah) dumps him he is forced to move back into his parents' house; a situation that is made more uncomfortable by his mother's (Rebecca Pidgeon) reaction that it was simply "a matter of time."

Art's self-loathing leads him to the self-help section of a bookstore. It is there that he finds his glimmer of hope when he discovers the book, It's Not Your Fault by Dr. Ellington (another great performance by Powell Jones). Not only does Art read the book religiously, but he spends his inheritance to bring the author to his home to personally help him through his life. As expected, comedy ensues. But along with the hilarity there is an ample amount of melancholy.

Art's parents are not the nurturing, loving parents that every child needs. He is a constant disappointment to them, and they make no qualms about telling him this. His seemingly unfeeling mother nearly collapses while trying to prevent him from hugging her! They offer him absolutely no support in his dream of becoming a musician.

Oliver Irving's creative mix of eclectic characters provides the audience with a wide variety of humor. The story is captivating and the acting is accomplished. It is altogether a brilliant film, worthy of the honors it has received.

And, from this reviewer's standpoint, if one wants to put an entire theater of women into a frenzy…have Robert Pattinson say the line "I have an erection." Well done, Oliver!!

Nice Film

[sewig · 8/10 · 23 April 2009]

Definitely an above average film. I went to the Chicago screening of How to Be, of course Rob Pattinson (Art) drawing me in. I had no expectations, just a free night to see what else this guy could do.

The movie did not disappoint. The story line and direction was great and I actually found myself feeling sorry for Art. Poor Art is somewhat of an insecure gullible, goofy guy who just wants to be validated. His mother calls him an "oxymoron". He reaches out to his friends who couldn't care less about his feelings.

His friends Nikki (Mike Pearce) and Ronny (Johnny White) are just as pathetic as he is. I thought Mike Pearce's character was a great complement to Art. His break dancing and skateboarding techniques cracked me up.

The movie was filled with quick one line zingers that will make you laugh out loud. Though I must say, the people in the theatre were crazed for Rob Pattinson. From the onset, one single move/word from Rob and the theatre was howling with laughter. I thought I was a fan, but when he had a line or even a simple shifting of his eyes people were so vocal. It was a bit distracting. So it is probably best the film is going to On-Demand so you can really appreciate the story line and all the other actors/characters in the movie.

Oliver Irving => great job on the writing, direction, casting, improv's. I will be looking for your future movies!

Like Napoleon Dynamite in England

[midfielder1101 · 10/10 · 13 June 2012]

This was a great movie - hilarious, even though I was definitely skeptical of Robert Pattinson's acting ability - and the premise was really too funny and too fitting for way too many people. Art is so pathetic. I swear, it was like watching a high brow Napoleon Dynamite. I wouldn't call the humor British. I mean, it's essentially the same as what you see in a lot of ridiculous, character-driven comedies where the characters themselves are totally unaware of just how funny they're being. The humor is just very dead pan, and I think some people watch the film expecting something more sophisticated or thoughtful. Sure, it's more profound than Napoleon Dynamite, but the idea of simultaneously gawking at and rooting for such a bizarre and socially impotent character is basically the same in both films. This is really among my favorite movies, just because it captures that strange moment of self-loathing self-obsession that lots of people go through right around the time of the quarter life crisis.

Art thinks he is having a quarter crisis, so he gets help from a self help guru

[kimbopepe · 10/10 · 25 April 2009]

i went to the screening of How To Be in Boston, it was fantastic. This story has so many things to love about it. the story is sad but wonderful at the same time. Art is so pathetically lovable that it makes you want to give him a hug and tell him everything will be OK.I laughed so much during movie, it was clever and witty humor. i am a fan of Robert Pattinson, thats how i heard of the film. i like to see an actor in a few films before i decide if he/she is great, i now know for sure.Robert Pattinson was amazing in this, he is a truly gifted actor. We will see a lot of great films from him. Mike Pearce and Johnny White were wonderful too, i hope to see more from them. it seemed the whole cast blended well together.The movie was wheel put together and so enjoyable. i would definitely recommend it to everyone.After the show the director, oliver Irving, answered questions from the audience. it was really cool to hear about the filming and some funny little stories about behind the scenes. I'm so glad i went, now i just have to wait for the DVD.

Excellent Acting

[mmklinemm · 8/10 · 25 March 2010]

I thought this movie was excellent. I didn't see the "comedy," but I've never understood British humor. It was very well acted. After a few moments, I no longer saw Pattinson, just Art. As a huge Pattinson/Cullen fan, that speaks volumes for his acting talent. Pattinson is far more than a pretty face. He brings to life all of Art's insecurities and anxieties - I felt all of that. I wanted to grab him, shake him, and scream at him to get over it, already. This wasn't a light-hearted movie that you sit back and relax with - be prepared to feel a wide range of emotions. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys character pieces.

How To Be (character Art)

[herringtonl333 · 10/10 · 10 June 2012]

Existential angst takes a quirky turn in this hilariously funny story about a young man's search for himself. Poor Art, alone in himself he is trying his best to "do the right thing", but what exactly that means to him is unclear. His only goal appears to ascribe a wish to be a writer/musician, but his talent seems not to bear toward his goal.

Art's lack of direction is further confused by his enlistment of a self-help guru whose help is complicated by his own disappointed life experiences. Lacking a clear sense of direction from family, friends and a supposed professional, his only recourse seems to be to rely on his innate feelings about what he wants out of life.

Art, as portrayed by Robert Pattinson, is at times, funny, whinny, self-absorbed, confused, and as retrospectively ridiculous as all of us can be at that age. Mr. Pattinson's portrayal is hilariously funny and almost campy and as always, he makes the movie even more watchable.

Indie gem not to be missed!

[psy008 · 10/10 · 19 August 2020]

Vocationless and without direction, twenty-something Arthur 'Art' (Robert Pattinson) tries to make his way in the real world and develop his career as a misunderstood musician. Unfortunately, he gets dumped by his girlfriend, gets fired from his job, moves back in with his parents, and subsequently hits a quarter-life crisis. He reaches out to everyone in his life, but they don't exactly help him. So Art turns to a self-book aptly titled 'It's Not Your Fault'. He goes on to convince the Canadian author of the book, Dr. Ellington (Powell Jones), to come live in London in his parents' house and become his personal life coach. As expected, comedy ensues.

There are numerous scenes in the movie that had me laughed out loud and the characters were undeniably lovable, regardless of their numerous flaws. However, the undertone and theme of the movie are pretty dark and dramatic. After all, this movie tackles the subject of how the role of parents is important in upbringing children. Art may appear at first as someone who craves for attention, but the audience slowly realizes how distant are his parents. This lack of contact is perceived by the child as lack of love.

Robert Pattinson is popular now, but I only saw this film to check his acting abilities. I must say I am impressed. Pattinson exhibited an entirely new side of him, making me completely confident in his abilities as an actor, not just as a pretty face. Powell Jones is hilarious in his role of the systematic Dr. Ellington.

This film is wholly unique. A must-see for anyone looking for an indie gem that paints real life problems in a surreal and comical light. 'How to Be' provides a touching take on the pains of growing up.