The Beaver (2011)

interesting story, acted well byMel Gibson,

This movie was a real surprise - it was hard to see where it would go. It depicts one mans severe depression and a very novel way of dealing with it. Interesting, entertaining and in the end positive. Definitely recommended.

I liked this one, although I can't say I loved it as it's not that sort of film. I was able to identify with several of the characters, reflections of me at various times in my life I am sure. A brave film and I understand why others don't like it; I guess you just had to be there.

This film, which stars Mel Gibson overcoming suicidal depression by communicating solely through a beaver puppet he found in the garbage, strains credibility.

Unusual for Mel

This was overall a depressing movie about depression. Although there are some tongue in cheek moments, not what I would call a comedy despite the classification. Jodie Foster tries in vain to create an "American Beauty" type black comedy/drama. It is memorable for the great acting and worth seeing for Mel Gibsons performance alone, however, the story is a little hard to believe at times.

turned off after 15 minutes .how an actor like mel gibson could make and star in a movie this bad is puzzling

I am quite taken aback by the negative reviews on here. "Beaver" was brilliantly acted and very apt in delving into mental illness. Is the Beaver puppet believable? Hell Yeh. Looking at depression and dissociative disorders, the intervention of "Beaver" is very much a medication of sorts. Beaver assists Walter (Mel Gibson) to find his way through the madness back to what matters in his life. I especially liked the juxtapositioning of Walter's eldest son struggling with his own understanding of what life means and the journey of everyone around him. There are comedic elements to this film, but I think the classification "drama" would better suit the film overall. In any case- great cinematography, well directed, and a good film. 4 stars.

Although I thought this movie was well acted and the storyline quite good, I certainly would remove the comedy classification from the rating. It's listed as comedy/drama, but it is really very confronting at times when delving into the dark world of depression.

Took two attempts to watch this as you have to be in the right mood for this one. Hardly uplifting or inspiring, probably good if you want a night of indulging your depression tendencies.

One of Mel's best! Something for all who have experienced depression and recovery. Congratulations to Jodie Foster.

Not what I expected, some good bits but mostly not as good as I thought it would be.

Great acting from Mel and great directing from Jodie... The end was a bit of a low point but overall good watch.

I figured that Mel Gibson was probably crazy, well now it's confirmed after this movie that could be his partial biography. He's plain nuts. Pointless movie, with a very believable insane Mel. Just look at the eyes! Plain stupid.

A quirky and interesting take on depression. Not the sort of character I would have expected Mel Gibson in but he does a great job, as does the rest of the cast. Quite emotional at times too.

Mel back at his best in this. Well worth viewing.

The problem with this movie is that all the characters are hard to identify with, none seems friendly enough. I had no empathy for none of them. It was hard to watch Mel Gibson in the role of a weak man, talking with an Aussie accent with a puppet. Perhaps it would have worked better with an actor not as known as Gibson we are used to see in films playing the macho man.. I found the storyline very weak, uninteresting and was wondering why Foster would make this. Schizophrenia and depression could be better told than through the voice of a puppet/Mel Gibson. For sure it is the worst flick Gibson has played in this last decade. boring!

Excellent direction from Jodie Foster.True to life story as despression is widespread amongst our communities. Worth a watch as Jodie Foster,Mel Gibson,Anton Yelchin,and Jennifer Lawrence were all A grade lead characters.

Great performances by all on the great issue of Mental Illness and the pain, grief and destruction it can cause the person, family and friends. Said a lot and gave much food for thought. Perhaps dear Mel learnt something from it also as I see it was made in 2010. Hope so. Cant say I enjoyed it but would recommend.

A really brave movie that tackles the difficult subjects of mental illness and grief. The Beaver itself may seem somewhat unreal, which is the very nature of mental illness, but it demonstrates the reality of an increasingly important public issue. Great performances by the main characters as they try their best to hold family and friends together.

This movie was exactly what I needed. When feeling a bit down, it wouldn't be a bad idea to give this one a watch. Mel Gibson is lovable in his role and Jodie Foster deserves credit for both her acting ability and skilled direction. The teenage subplot wasn't interesting, but the story of the adult characters really is moving. Awesome movie, check it out!

Why well known actors act in these drop kick movies is beyond me, absolute garbage.

suprising performance by Mel Gibson. His the portrayal of cronic depression was amazing. This could have been an embarishmnent to all involved but instead Jody Foster did an excellent job. ending was the only disapointment, trying too hard to be sensational.

*Yawn ... wow .. can't believe stars actually took on the roles ... bit depressing, I guess a bit real, more into comedies I guess

Good movie on understanding depression, sad, all tho confronting. Mel still got it, loved his acting.

After hearing a lot of bad review for this movie I thought 'What the heck' I'll give it a try. Turned out to be a great movie and a great performance by Mal Gibson. Sad but real. Maybe it should have been given another title abnd more people may have watched it.

There was no point to this movie. If if was trying to help anyone, I dont think it would.

1 star only. It is so boring.

Unexpectedly touching story of a mans very serious decent into depression and how a family will clutch at any straw to try and keep it all from falling apart. Extremely well directed and well measured performances make for a very good film. Unfortunately, the film probably won't get the credit if deserves due to a) Gibson's pretty appalling antics and b) it's plugged as a comedy, which it's not. See it, but don't be looking for some light comic relief.

Why Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster would ever star in a 'rubbish' movie like this, is anyone's guess !!

So ridiculous for most of the time that it almost comes off as a believable story with a serious message - if only the Beaver hadn't sounded like Michael Caine.

With two stars like Jodie Foster & Mel Gibson you would be guaranteed of a good quality film. Enjoyed isn't a word I would associate with a storyline about depression and mental illness but it's certainly food for thought and highlights how it can impact on people's lives, their family and friends, it brings out of the closet self harm, suicide and how we handle strees & grief BUT it also has funny moments and a quirky novelty to an otherwise sad situation. I think it is a film well worth watching as long as you know what subjects it covers.

An interesting Drama with some fine acting from Gibson and Foster. Not one for the Action/Car Chase crowd, but worth a look if you like slightly off-beat Dramas.

After watching this I think I wasted 1hr 20 mins of my life I will never get back. The characters seem flat and hard to connect with. The only refreshing thing (and why it got one star) is the Beaver itself. The movie isn't even depressing. It is just like a bowl of gruel. Boring and bland.