Today’s quick review: The Art of Self-Defense. After a mugging leaves him in the hospital, Casey (Jesse Eisenberg) tries to reclaim his dignity by taking up karate. He signs up for lessons under Sensei (Alessandro Nivola), an intense but supportive karate master who promises to make Casey into a warrior. But in spite of a promising start for his new hobby, Casey soon learns that Sensei’s school has a darker side to it.
The Art of Self-Defense is a black comedy about a man who picks up karate to overcome his timidity. The Art of Self-Defense offers a wry look at fear, aggression, and self-improvement. The movie specializes in a dry style of comedy that’s well-suited to Jesse Eisenberg, drawing much of its humor from Casey’s self-effacing personality and a subtly skewed world. However, the movie’s slow pacing and macabre streak limit its appeal.
The Art of Self-Defense has the makings of a cult comedy. Its gags are understated, found in subtle quirks of the setting and characters rather than in explicit punchlines. Casey’s struggles with daily life make him a sympathetic protagonist. Sensei makes for an effective foil, a low-key parody of the calm, confident man Casey wishes to be. The later revelations of the film give it something to build toward, plus a basic but complete story.
The drawback to all this is that The Art of Self-Defense never truly comes to life. Casey’s world rarely extends beyond his home, his office, and his dojo, while the supporting cast is limited to a handful of coworkers and fellow students. The subtle nature of the jokes coupled with their relatively low density mean that, in spite of a handful of solid hits in the comedy department, the movie never goes on comedic hot streaks.
The other chief drawback of the film is that it goes to some dark places. The Art of Self-Defense never loses its sense of humor, and even its darkest moments are tinged with mundane absurdities. But after a fairly accessible first half, the film gradually creeps in a sinister direction as Casey learns more about his new teacher. Whether the darker aspects of the story are part of the fun or a tone-breaker will come down to taste.
Fans of unconventional comedies may want to give The Art of Self-Defense a shot. Its gags are clever and inventive, while stoic performances from Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, and Imogen Poots fit the film’s style well. But its dry tone can make it hard to get traction on, while the suspenseful edge it picks up halfway through won’t be to everyone’s tastes. The result is a hit-or-miss comedy with a solid amount of cult appeal.
For another dry comedy with a more fully realized world, try one of the works of Wes Anderson. For a more overt comedy that expresses similar frustrations, try Office Space. For a more stylized, dynamic movie with a similar premise, try Fight Club or Wanted. For a more character-focused comedy that has the same wry perspective, try Little Miss Sunshine.
7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for clever humor and straight-faced delivery offset by a lack of momentum; your score will vary.