The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (2007)

For those who find it difficult to appreciate the adaptation format of film making from a famous novel, THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH as now released on DVD should help explain the naysayers' opinions. In a very valuable session of conversations among Michael Chabon and Rawson Marshall Thurber (screenwriter and director) and the producer and cast, the transition of this complex novel into a very altered story is comfortably explained and the person most happy with the result seems to be the originator Michael Chabon!

That being said this film stands well on its own terms. June and July in hot Pittsburgh generate mysteries among a variety of people, especially the young college graduate Art Bechstein (Jon Foster) who while working in a bookstore wastes time with a fling with the supervisor Phlox (Mena Suvari) with disinterested post grad classes dealing with becoming a broker and having monthly dinners with his mobster father Joe Bechstein (Nick Nolte), until he encounters an odd couple: bisexual biker and thief Cleveland (Peter Sarsgaard) and his female consort, the violinist Jane Bellwether (Sienna Miller). The bizarre interactions among these characters drive Art to make many decisions and discoveries including his falling in love with both Cleveland and Jane. The summer winds down with Art finally discovering his own identity despite the clouds of mystery that have surrounded his life. It is a piece of life as lived by disparate characters whose direction in life seems at odds with the natural flow of finding happiness and success. But then the question is asked what is happiness and what is success if not survival?

For this viewer the explanation by the makers of this film was interesting enough to encourage a repeat watching of the movie. A good movie not a great movie, but it still tastes strongly of Michael Chabon's genius. It deserves more attention than the critics have given it.....Grady Harp, August 09

I'm sure this was a good novel, and I will read it. However, whoever brought it to the screen made it quite dull and slow. It's also hard to understand why anyone would ever want to be with Peter Saarsgard's obnoxious character at all.

That said, I was glad to see Jon Foster again, having enjoyed his work in The Door in the Floor. Saarsgard is as good as ever, and Sienna Miller was wonderful as the woman caught between these troubled men. Nick Nolte also makes a fine turn as the very unpleasant and controlling father.

Soundtrack recommended too.

Buy The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (2007) Now

The beginning captivates the viewer and the movies has a decent story. Having said that, it's also worth mentioning that the storyline is hardly Michael Chabon's and why the changes were made (from the book) is unclear, however, as a stand-alone it seems to work (if you ignore that it's a novel adaptation and think of it as a standalone film). It's no the most engaging movie nor is it the worst movie ever. If you haven't read the book or don't mind watching the movie and can refrain from comparing it to the book, there's a good chance that you'll like it.

Read Best Reviews of The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (2007) Here

In 2000, I saw a great movie, Wonder Boys, and immediately bought the book. When I finished the book, I picked up Michael Chabon's other two novels, The Mysteries of Pittsburg and Kavalier & Clay. Since reading Pittsburg in 2000, I have re-read it three times, most recently when I heard the movie was being made. Upon release, I read several reviews trashing this movie. In the movie, Art (Ben Foster) is a recent college grad trying to figure out what to do with his life when he meets Cleveland (Peter Sarsgaard) and Jane (Sienna Miller). The first 15 minutes are pretty annoying with Art delivering tons of exposition in voice overs. Eventually, the voice overs stop, (well, they stop until the end of the movie), and then I didn't hate it as much. The movie is well shot. I really liked the music. They use a great Ryan Adams song, The Rescue Blues. Sienna Miller is stunning and I've been a fan of Jon Foster ever since I saw him in Life As We Know It. The movie is fine, not good, just fine. If I hadn't read Chabon's first three books before seeing this movie, this would not have convinced me to check out the books. Buy Wonder Boys, unquestionably a better movie. It might motivate you to shut your TV off for a while, and read Pittsburgh, Wonder Boys, and/or Kavalier & Clay. This one won't. This flick is not as bad as everyone made it out to be, but not exactly good either. Mediocrity at best, worth a rental. . . a three star rental.

Want The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (2007) Discount?

When i first saw this movie the begging was somewhat slow for me but after getting into the middle it started unfolding and was pretty surprised. Thought this was a decently made film with kind of a sad ending.

If you're looking for a good film to watch with some turns in it then take this one out for a spin.