Independent Film Guide

What It's About
One year after 9/11, five sets of New Yorkers cope with drama: A pastry chef for the rich (Maggie Gyllenhaal) faces her biggest presentation yet; an impossibly cheery office worker (Jim Gaffigan) suspects his therapist (Tony Shalhoub) is egging him on; young parents (Tom McCarthy and Judy Greer) refuse to acknowledge their son is a monster; a pair of Indian immigrants (Sharat Saxena and Naseeruddin Shah) work security detail for a visiting general; and an aging senior (Olympia Dukakis) is sick to death of her indolent hubby.

Why You Should See It Both collectively and individually, the storylines in this affecting post-9/11 drama paint a profound portrait of how small tragedies figure into our livelihoods, with the greatest American tragedy of all lingering in the backdrop. The film isn't all somber, though: Director Danny Leiner lightens the mood considerably with healthy sprinkles of comedy. We'd expect nothing less from the director of 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.'

Track Record Though his roots are in indie filmmaking, Leiner has become better known as the Scorsese of stoner comedies, having scored consecutive hits with 'Dude, Where's My Car?' and 'Harold & Kumar.' Leiner's latest film marks his reunion with 'Sopranos' star Edie Falco, who appeared in his 1992 short 'Time Expired' as well as in his directorial debut, 'Layin' Low' (1996).

Unforgettable Scene In a refreshing departure from many ensemble films of late, the storylines in 'The Great New Wonderful' don't actually intersect. Yet Leiner cleverly brings many of the players together for one scene in which they all pile into the same elevator car. As it ascends, there's a sudden thud. The elevator stops and lights flicker. It's only momentary, but it's a subtly powerful reminder of the fear that now lives in the backs of all New Yorkers' minds.

Festival Buzz At last April's Tribeca Film Festival, the movie made national headlines -- but not for the most flattering of reasons. Gyllenhaal was lambasted by the press for comments she made about the U.S. being "in some way responsible" for the 9/11 attacks. But as they say, there's no such thing as bad publicity ... Well, maybe this came close.

Recommended If You Liked
'The 25th Hour'
'Heights'
'Crash'
'New York Stories'
'The Guys'

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