The Guys

An adaptation of a play by Anne Nelson, a Columbia University journalism professor who wrote it for the Manhattan Flea Theatre, located near Ground Zero, on the basis of her experiences helping a fire captain compose eulogies for the members of his squad who'd fallen in the tragedy of 9/11, filmmaker Jim Simpson's The Guys stars Sigourney Weaver as Joan (Nelson's surrogate), who aids veteran firefighter Nick (Anthony LaPaglia) in articulating and shaping his recollections about his comrades. The result is a graceful, affecting tribute to the men's courage as well as a nicely understated expression of the grief shared by a whole nation for their sacrifice. Nonetheless, it must be said that this isn't as well-suited to the screen, with its obligatory close-ups, as it is to the stage, where it benefits from the distancing of live theatre. Weaver actually gives a subdued performance, but seems to be straining for effect every time the camera focuses on her stricken patrician face, a problem not nearly as acute with LaPaglia, whose embarrassed shyness and ursine gruffness are perfect for his role. Still, while The Guys has some flaws, it remains a deeply poignant film that's impossible to watch without being moved. Recommended. (F. Swietek)