Selling All Possessions With the Hope of a Better Tomorrow: "Everything Must Go"

Will Ferrell has always been a brilliant force in the comedy ranks, a delightfully goofy performer who brings a magnetic appeal to his frequent variations on the man-child persona. In his latest film, however, Mr. Ferrell is a long way from Ron Burgundy. In Everything Must Go, Will Ferrell establishes himself as an astonishing dramatic actor. Ferrell delivered a nuanced performance in the underrated 2005 film Stranger Than Fiction, and his work in Everything Must Go is simply stunning. Much like Robin Williams, Bill Murray, and Jim Carrey, Will Ferrell has flawlessly transitioned from comedy to drama, and the results are extraordinary.

Mr. Ferrell deserves an Oscar nomination for his graceful portrayal of Nick Halsey, a decent man with a good heart who is nonetheless plagued with a destructive alcoholism that wreaks havoc on his life. The film opens with Nick being informed by his sleazy boss that the company has decided to let Nick go. Nick is devastated, and when he arrives home later that evening, he discovers all of his possessions scattered across his front lawn. All of his personal items are accompanied by a note from his wife, informing him that she has left him. His wife has changed the locks, and Nick has no access to his home. The tragic turn of events forces Nick into a malaise of depression and alcoholism, and he spends his nights sleeping uncomfortably on his front lawn. One day, however, Nick takes the advice of a friend and starts a yard sale. It is painful for Nick to part ways with his possessions, but he proceeds with the yard sale in an effort to break with the past and start anew. Nick employs the help of a charming youngster in the neighborhood who helps him organize the yard sale, and the two form a friendship that is essential in helping Nick persevere through immense emotional hardship. Nick also gets to know his new neighbor across the street, and his conversations with her prove to be deeply cathartic. The amazing Rebecca Hall is wonderful as the woman who helps Nick reassemble his life, and young Christopher Jordan Wallace is exemplary as Nick's partner-in-crime.

My description of the plot does not do the movie justice. Many movies have delved into the themes of loss and emotional tumult, but very few movies have treated these themes as intelligently or as poignantly as Everything Must Go. The film, based on a Raymond Carver short story and beautifully written and directed by Dan Rush, is always grounded in authentic emotion. The film is profound and powerful.

And at the center of this excellent movie is Will Ferrell. Ferrell nails the role of Nick Halsey with such moving perfection that it is hard to believe he hasn't appeared in more dramatic roles. It is a truly magnificent piece of acting, and it comes in the best movie I have seen so far this year.