Life: Some disassembly required.|Apr. 06, 2016|United States|101 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: Davis, a successful investment banker, works at a firm established by his father-in-law, Phil. His life takes a tragic turn when his wife, Julia, dies in a car accident while driving them. While recovering in the hospital, Davis encounters a malfunctioning vending machine. He writes a complaint to the manufacturer, venting about his personal struggles. This leads to ongoing conversations with a customer service representative, Karen Moreno, with whom he shares intimate details of their lives. Karen becomes the sole person Davis confides in, though he communicates in a detached and emotionless manner. He returns to work earlier than expected, maintaining the same unemotional approach. At one point, Davis confides in a fellow train passenger, admitting he didn’t truly love Julia because he feels no sadness, pain, or hurt.
Davis’s emotional instability causes him to act unpredictably. He becomes obsessed with dismantling objects, using a toolkit to take apart household appliances, his work computer, and even a bathroom stall. He later expresses a desire to disassemble a 120-year-old grandfather clock in Phil’s office. Meanwhile, Davis notices he’s being followed by a green station wagon.
Karen secretly follows Davis and begins speaking with him on his commuter train without revealing her identity. After she accidentally leaves behind some identification, Davis tracks her down at her home. Karen lives with her boyfriend, Carl, and her rebellious 15-year-old son, Chris. When Carl leaves for a business trip, Davis stays at Karen’s house. Over time, they develop a deep platonic bond. Chris initially dislikes Davis but eventually warms up to him, even helping Davis cope with his grief, while Davis becomes a mentor to Chris.
Cast director: Jean-Marc Vallée
Cast actor: Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper, Judah Lewis, C.J. Wilson, Polly Draper, Malachy Cleary, Debra Monk, Heather Lind, Wass Stevens
Original name: Demolition