Off the Map

Any movie about how an IRS auditor's visit results in benefits across the board should logically be either a screwball comedy or a sci-fi fantasy. As directed by actor Campbell Scott, however, Off the Map--based on a play by Joan Ackermann--has lighthearted moments, but it's essentially a combination of pretentious domestic drama and a warmhearted coming-of-age tale. When a neophyte tax agent tracks down a quirky, isolated family that's eking out a hardscrabble existence in the New Mexico desert, he finds the father in a debilitating depression, the mother--part Native American--dispensing love and wisdom, and a precocious young daughter soaking it all in. Intoxicated by the trio's freedom, the government man ditches his job and becomes a painter instead, ultimately drawing the dad out of his shell, lightening the spirit of the mother, and inspiring the infatuated youngster's writing talent. The film is blessed with a first-rate cast, including Joan Allen and Sam Elliott, but despite their best efforts it remains sluggish and affected, aiming for the poetry of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie (also about a gentleman caller) but lacking the depth or the magic. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Campbell Scott and writer Joan Ackermann, a 23-minute Sundance Channel “Anatomy of a Scene” production, a four-minute “Out There Now” featurette, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a flawed film.] (F. Swietek)