Reality Bites

Ben Stiller’s directorial debut, Reality Bites follows friends Lelaina (Winona Ryder), Troy (Ethan Hawke), Vickie (Janeane Garofalo), and Sammy (Steve Zahn) as they attempt to navigate their post-college careers and relationships – with a particular emphasis placed on the love triangle that forms between Lelaina, Troy, and Ben Stiller’s Michael. It’s a fairly by-the-numbers setup that’s employed to impressively compelling (and relatable) effect by first-time filmmaker Stiller, as the director does an effective job of wringing both laughs and pathos out of Helen Childress’ screenplay – with the picture’s compulsively watchable vibe heightened by the strong, stirring work of its various performers. (Ryder’s authentic turn as the floundering Lelaina is certainly matched by her various costars, with Hawke successfully infusing his somewhat unlikable character with ingratiating, sympathetic attributes.) Stiller’s decision to increasingly stress the romantic fate of Ryder’s protagonist does, to a somewhat lamentable degree, diminish the impact of certain third-act developments and revelations, and it’s clear, ultimately, that Reality Bites is at its best when focused on the day-to-day exploits (and early 20s malaise) of these uniformly affable figures – with the final result a solid endeavor that undoubtedly succeeds as a trenchant portrait of a very specific time and place.

*** out of ****