‘Midlife Crisis Noir: Jon Hamm’s Greatest Role Yet’

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Indeed, those films about midlife crises in the middle-class, often portrayed as a cinematic exploration of white malaise, were once my favorite subgenre. Classics like Fight Club, Adaptation, American Beauty, The Weather Man, Lost in Translation, Sideways, and even Hannah and Her Sisters (not forgetting Woody Allen’s works since Annie Hall) resonated deeply with me during my teenage years when I was grappling with a pre-life crisis. While I still admire these films for their unique qualities, I find myself viewing this genre with a slightly more critical eye today. It seems I may have become a bit jaded from watching numerous movies about affluent white men who are disenchanted with their lives. This skepticism might be why I appreciate the Apple TV+ series Your Friends and Neighbors less than some other viewers.

Although it might not offer anything fresh if you’re already familiar with this type of story, “Your Friends and Neighbors” is still a well-made series. The casting is spot on, the production values are excellent, the plot unfolds in intriguing ways, and there are some witty dialogues and complex characters. Additionally, it skillfully incorporates (and occasionally twists) classic film noir concepts, which adds an interesting layer to the narrative. However, if you’re like me and have grown a bit tired of stories about privileged individuals lamenting their lives, revealing that beneath the veneer of country club perfection lie hidden truths about dissatisfaction and decayed relationships, then you might not find anything particularly new in this series.

Jon Hamm Is a Perfectly Cast Man

Jon Hamm is an extremely versatile and comedic actor, yet it’s understandable that he’s often cast in similar roles. He excels at portraying a man who was once smart, handsome, and successful, but whose intellect, charm, and achievements are beginning to wane; he’s on the brink of shedding his façade of competence and succumbing to despair. Shows like Mad Men, Landsman, The Morning Show, and now Your Friends and Neighbors all utilize Hamm’s aptitude for this character type in unique ways.

Following an introduction, we encounter Hamm, formerly known as Andrew Cooper (or “Coop”), following a catastrophe. He maintains his cool, laid-back persona despite everything he’s been through. Coop’s spouse, Mel (portrayed by Amanda Peet), had an affair with Coop’s friend Nick (Mark Tallman), leading to their divorce and the loss of his home and a significant portion of his wealth, even though Nick and Mel are financially well-off in themselves. This is one of several instances where the movie Your Friends and Neighbors might appeal to those who feel aggrieved by family court and child support matters, often associated with the “men’s rights” movement.

Nick resides in his own, more modest dwelling, having recently been terminated from his high-profile position as a hedge fund manager. His dismissal stemmed from a romantic involvement with a 28-year-old woman in a different department, who subsequently advanced within the company. The portrayal of such events appears to resonate with certain aspects of the “manosphere” associated with right-wing thought. The television series introduces this questionable misogyny through Andrew’s characterization as an upstanding individual, supposedly wronged by opportunistic women and a society overly concerned with political correctness and diversity initiatives (DEI). At this point in the show, all the female characters seem to have negatively impacted the main character’s life.

Interestingly, the portrayal of female characters becomes richer and more multifaceted, revealing complex, three-dimensional individuals. Yet, a subtle unease persists, a fact that aligns with the reality – gender bias and resentment often play key roles in midlife crisis films.

Pride Cometh Before the Crime… and the Fall

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but confess that I’ve found myself in a predicament – a job loss that I’m reluctant to share with my circle. Mel, ever optimistic about my wealth, continues to request funds, oblivious to the reality. Sam, another friend going through a divorce and seeking solace in temporary relationships, is unaware of my struggles. My sister Ali, dealing with her mental health challenges and residing in an apartment I can no longer afford, is the only one privy to my situation. Even Barney, my business manager who used to manage my substantial clientele, now becomes a confidant due to our altered financial circumstances. The sale of my Rolls-Royce might be on the horizon as we navigate through this challenging period together.

In simpler terms, Coop’s social circle is filled with luxury items such as Rolls-Royce cars, Richard Mille watches, and Tom Ford suits. However, now that he’s in a desperate situation, Coop feels increasingly bitter, envious, and resentful as he watches his friends live extravagantly while he struggles to hide his own hardships. This resentment leads him to commit a burglary at one of his friend’s homes when they’re on vacation, stealing a $200,000 watch and some cash. He later finds an unscrupulous pawnbroker named Jules (played by Jennifer Mudge) who buys the watch without its original documentation, which sets off a chain of further criminal actions and a tense relationship with this pawnbroker. As you may know, crime often leads to escalating problems.

The Aesthetic of ‘Your Friends and Neighbors’

In a somewhat unexpected twist, this plot detail appears to emerge gradually and convincingly across these one-hour segments. Looking back, it seems far-fetched; if Cooper is embezzling from a tight-knit group of acquaintances, you’d assume they would catch on sooner. Additionally, the notion that Cooper possesses a high-tech device to jam cameras and disables them flawlessly seems implausible. There are numerous instances like these where Coop’s actions stretch credibility – for example, he steals an incredibly expensive bottle of wine and then attends a party hosted by its owner with it.

Absolutely, Coop isn’t a genius like Danny Ocean and “Your Friends and Neighbors” isn’t as sleek as “Ocean’s 11”. It stumbles in numerous ways and is painfully obvious at times. For instance, Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs” blares as Jon Hamm exits suburbia in the initial episode – a level of overtness that’s hard to miss. However, this series doesn’t necessarily require subtlety; its midlife crisis narrative is something we’ve encountered often. Yet, it’s skillfully crafted and worth watching.

Watch on Apple TV+

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2025-04-03 07:02