Half Nelson – Review

I don’t hit up too many pure dramas, but some are pretty good regardless. Half Nelson opens with young teacher Dan Dunne (Gosling) sitting on his apartment floor, already wide awake as his buzzer hits and daylight bathes his surroundings. Typically, not a good sign, he pushes through with his day anyway heading to an inner-city high school and writing What is History? on the chalkboard in his classroom.

His energy keeps him up through basketball practice, where he coaches the girls team. Drey (Epps) eventually is convinced to come play when she finishes her lollipop. Finally, Dan’s day is over and he heads home. His answering machine reveals urgent credit collectors and an ex in town soon. He cleans his glass table, and then the night REALLY starts.

As we spend time with Dan, we see how serious his trouble really is, and Gosling is pretty fantastic with his job to bring it out believably. The bar leads to booze which leads to girls which leads to coke which leads to dancing leads to a late-night crack score. Damn.

As Dan reels with his decision making and addictions, he forms an unlikely friendship with his student Drey who has her own life problems. The surrounding environment does not give many chances to escape one’s problems, even with a friend’s help.

Overall, Half Nelson is an acting showcase and is expertly crafted. I am sure it was a miniscule budget, but that almost helps the authenticity of the production as nothing is flashy during its focus on the uglier sides of life.