Skip over navigation

Help

Roger Dodger on DVD (2003)

Roger Dodger cover art
Play Roger Dodger trailer
Average rating: (62%)
141111020171927
3.0
 
Starring: Campbell Scott | Jennifer Beals | Elizabeth Berkley | Jesse Eisenhern | Isabella Rossellini
Director: Dylan Kidd
Studio: HIGH FLIERS
Run time: 101 mins
Certificate: 15
User collections: 50 Cinematic Gems | Classics that any self-respecting film buff must see!
Genres: Comedy
Languages: English
Released: 30/12/2004

Brief synopsis of Roger Dodger

After cynical New York advertising copywriter Roger Swanson (Campbell Scott) is dumped by his on-again/off-again girlfriend Joyce (Isabella Rossellini), who is also his boss, his painful work day is further complicated by the unexpected arrival of his 16 year-old nephew Nick (Jesse Eisenberg). After asking to spend the night at Roger's, Nick reveals that he has come to ask for help--in hopes of ditching his virginal status, Nick begs Roger for a lesson in the art of seduction. Embittered Roger then takes on the role of a nocturnal drill sergeant in an imaginary war between the sexes, starting Nick's training at a singles bar. There, they meet two beautiful women (Jennifer Beals and Elizabeth Berkeley) who turn out to be less malleable than Roger expects. Before the night is through, Roger and Nick go to some dark places where their preconceptions about women get smashed to pieces.
With ROGER DODGER, first time writer-director Dylan Kidd has created a unique look at male-female relationships, full of memorable and comic platitudes spoken by a lead character as fascinating as he is unpleasant. As Roger, Scott (who also produced the film) creates a character who is very difficult to like, but is no less compelling for it. Eisenberg proves to be a worthy foil in an impressive debut. The film takes an impressively dark turn in its third act, and adventurous viewers are likely to relish this offbeat journey.

Related

Critics Reviews

Rating of 4 stars out of 5 Radio Times

Like the lead characters in many low-budget independent films, Campbell Scott's sharp-tongued advertising copywriter isn't easy to like. Intelligent and attractive, yet cynical and manipulative, he gets a kick out of dispensing his blunt wisdom to unguarded women in Manhattan bars. What begins here as a sardonic one-man show receives an original, irresistible twist as Scott's sweet, naive teenage nephew (Jesse Eisenberg in his film debut) shows up in town, calling on uncle's supposed skills with the opposite sex to help him lose his virginity. The vitality of this pairing, enriched by natural chemistry between the actors, injects lightness and heart into the movie. The accompanying scenes in which Eisenberg's boyish charm wins over out-of-his-league Elizabeth Berkley and Jennifer Beals (both terrific), are beautifully done. The final act isn't quite as noteworthy, but it remains an elegantly filmed and impressively performed debut from writer/director Dylan Kidd.

Rating of 2 stars out of 4 Halliwell's Film Guide

Slick, witty comedy of sexual exploitation, with an effortlessly glib performance from Scott as a bitter loser in his war with women.

Maxim

"...A viciously funny film. Hugely quotable and perfectly played. Totally unmissable..."

See all 4 Critics Reviews »

Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 4 starsFun, smart and cynical

Rehan from London , 04/08/2004

An enjoyable indie film which does admittedly peter out a little (like so many others) in the end. But some excellent acting and three-dimensional characters.

  15 out of 18 people found this review helpful
Report offending content.

Read all reviews

Rated - 4 starsEvery bloke will love this, great stuff

McClennan from St Helens , 26/10/2005

If you're a man and haven't seen this film, I recommend it wholeheartedly. It's not a classic, but if you've enjoyed Swingers I think you'll love this. One of the best endings I've seen in a comedy, like, ever!

  6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
Report offending content.

Read all reviews

Rated - 4 starsIndie film-making at it's best

Melon from East Sussex , 09/04/2004

The low budget is used as an asset here not a hindrance. Most of the film is played out in close up and the dialogue often merges with background noise. This actually adds to the feeling that you're in the room with the characters, watching events unfold as you peer over their shoulder, and that you're watching real people, not actors acting. This is helped by the pure on-the-nail class performances all round with Scott's Roger an iconic career best. Although far less happens than you expect there is a genuine air of tension throughout, making this an exhilerating trawl through a New York night out. Good to see Jennifer Beals again too.

  6 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Report offending content.

Read all reviews

Rated - 4 starsJammy Dodger

SeggaRogue from Surrey , 08/03/2004

Campbell Scott gives a blistering performance as the eponymous, misogynist, motor mouth ad exec Roger, in this intelligent and perceptive American indie.

Sidelined by his female boss – who also happens to be his lover - Roger finds all his old certainties called into question. So when his 16 year old nephew unexpectedly turns up in the big city, in search of advice on women (and to lose his virginity), Roger is only too willing to act the guru to the greenhorn during an all-night trawl around New York’s night spots.

Shot with hand-held cameras, the film has a rough documentary style, and some pleasing cameos from the women (Isabella Rossellini, Elizabeth Berkeley, Jennifer Beals) that enter the ageing lothario’s orbit. The battle of the sexes is conducted in witty, off the cuff dialogue, with the feel of improvisation, and it is to Scott’s credit that he somehow elicits sympathy for this repellent, arrogant creation. My only gripe is that the film outstays its welcome with a cheesy coda which feels tacked on and lessens the impact of what came before. Other than that, recommended.

  4 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Report offending content.

Read all reviews