Everything Must Go is Will Ferrell's attempt at understated drama. It reminds me of Steve Carell in 'Dan in Real Life' or Jim Carrey in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' or Steve Martin in 'Shopgirl'. Like it's compatriots, Everything Must Go take Will Ferrell out of straight comedy into an exploration of sadness. What we find in EMG is what we find in the other films--these comedy actors can act outside their medium and should probably spend more time exploring other genres. If it doesn't work out, there's always 'Elf 3:scrapping the bottom of Santa's bag' Perhaps, these actors are taking a page from Tom Hanks' playbook by transitioning from trivial comedy to heavier films. Fortunately, Ferrell, Carell, and Carrey all have far more range than Hanks' 'everyman persona'.
So, needless to say, Ferrell is refreshing in this role. It reminds me somewhat of Bill Murray's turn in 'Broken Flowers' where a man of a certain age finds his life has turned on its ear and he is left with the choice to continue the journey or lay passed out on the front lawn forever. Eventually, Ferrell makes the choice that Hollywood demands, but like any good understated film it doesn't give us a happy ending with a bow, but a glimmer of hope that life must go on.
What I do not entirely like about the film is the complete ruthlessness of the unseen estranged wife. Ferrell is taken by surprise at every turn. If I came home drunk as can be and found the locks changed, I'm breaking in. Ferrell has to stay on the lawn or there is no film.
In the end, this film is much more enjoyable if you've had a couple drinks beforehand.
My Score 3/5
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