The Rewrite, written and directed by Marc Lawrence 8 out of 10

The Rewrite, written and directed by Marc Lawrence
8 out of 10


The Rewrite is a lovely, charming, witty romantic comedy.

Hugh Grant shines in the title role of Keith Michaels, an acclaimed screenplay writer once that has come down in the world and is forced to be a...teacher now.
What a downgrade!

And yet, he may find meaning and happiness in this position, counterintuitivelly for some.
First, studies with lottery winners among others have proved that money do not bring happiness.

Yes, those winning over one million dollars with a five dollar ticket experience a spike in their wellbeing.
But it only lasts for a few months and then they return to their base level of happiness.

Second, fame offers the same palliative wellness and it is the cause of misfortune in so many popularized cases.
After winning an Oscar though, the hero is not inspired anymore and hopes to find the light, a vision on the East Coast, away from Hollywood.

In his class, one ravishing student is Karen Gabney, portrayed by the extremely talented Bella Heathcote.
This remarkable, promising actress has been wonderful in the recent Professor Marston and His Wonder Women.

Karen Gabney seems to provoke, entice, seduce the professor, although in the age of MeToo to say that might be inappropriate, anathema even.
Indeed, the mature, older man should know bette.

But they have sex and it soon turns ugly.
One first incident is rather amusing, as they go in the restaurant where another student in the class of the professor, Holly Carpenter aka Marisa Tomei is a waitress.

The latter is in fact better suited as a partner for the mature hero.
She asks for the ID, when Karen says she wants alcohol and when this turns to be false, the younger woman is furious.

Given that the professor did not stand with her on the issue and he is mildly critical, this sexual intrigue becomes a scandal.
An ethics committee has to hear about the improper affair.

In the first place, the protagonist is forced to resign.
But, there may be much more to life than glamorous, scintillating parties in California.

And the professor may have found...
The Meaning of His Life

And with him, we may also get a hint at what the Secret is.