Cast: Donal Logue, Greer Goodman, Kimo Wills, Ayelet Kaznelson, Nina Jaroslaw
Director: Jenniphr Goodman
Producer: Anthony Bregman
Screenplay: Duncan North, Greer Goodman and Jennifphr Goodman
Cinematography: Teodoro Maniaci
Music: Joe Delia
U.S. Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
So what is the Tao of Steve? Some ancient Buddhist practice that allows the practitioner to better confer with eternity? A means to come closer to god? Actually, it's a way to pick up babes. Just ask Dex (Donal Logue), whose entire sex life is defined by it. As Jack Palance once declared in a TV commercial (and as Dex would no doubt agree), "Confidence is sexy." In this philosophy, "Steve" isn't just a name, it's a state of mind. "Steve" represents the kind of man who never tries to impress a woman but ends up getting the girl in the end. Think Steve McGarrett (of Hawaii 5-0). Or Steve Austin (The Six Million Dollar Man). Or especially Steve McQueen, the "ultimate Steve." James Bond is a "Steve." And so is Dex.
The Tao of Steve is also the name of the feature debut of director/co-screenwriter Jenniphr Goodman (no, I didn't misspell her name), and it's one of the most sublimely enjoyable romantic comedies of the year. With a smart, sassy script and a winning lead performance by Donal Logue, the film is virtually impossible to dislike. After all, where else this side of Quentin Tarantino can you find a screenplay that dares to mix Josie and the Pussycats with Kierkegaard, Don Giovanni, and Buddhist existentialism? Not only is The Tao of Steve up to that challenge, but, in the process, it develops a romance between two likable, well-developed characters. Is it groundbreaking? No. Is it infectious and entertaining? Definitely.
Back in high school, Dex was voted most likely to succeed. By the time his ten-year reunion comes around, however, the only thing he has succeeded at is perfecting the life of a slacker. His daily breakfast of champions employs a bong. He's overweight almost to the point of obesity, relies on a motorcycle for transportation, and holds down only a part-time job. He drifts aimlessly around Santa Fe with few prospects for the future. But, when it comes to women, he's a veritable babe magnet. No one, married or unmarried, can seemingly resist his dubious charm. Perhaps the most aggravating thing about Dex is that there are people in the real world who are like him. In fact, co-writer Duncan North is the inspiration for the character. As the end credits note: "Based on a story by Duncan North. Based on an idea by Duncan North. Based on Duncan North."
Even someone like Dex can't hide forever from love, and he's smitten from the first time he sees Syd (co-writer Greer Goodman, the director's sister) playing drums for the band at the high school reunion. She remembers him - he was the smartest guy in her philosophy class - but he can't place her. Nevertheless, whatever he may have thought of her during their time together in school, he is definitely intrigued now. And, while his life has stagnated, she has moved on to become the set director for the Santa Fe opera. She has a boyfriend and a lifestyle she enjoys, and Dex's charisma seemingly has no effect upon her.
No matter how smart and perceptive a script is, even the most offbeat romantic comedy will fail without chemistry between the leads - a characteristic that fortunately abounds in The Tao of Steve. As enjoyable as it is to see Logue and Goodman on screen with other actors, their scenes together are the memorable ones. The romantic tension between them crackles. On the humor scale, The Tao of Steve weighs in on the uneven side. There's a camping trip that contains some elements of physical comedy, and there's amusement value in the lessons that Dex imparts to his roommate and disciple, Dave (Kimo Wills). In general, however, the film offers more smiles and chuckles than hearty laughs.
2000 has been a very good year for character actor Logue. At Sundance, he won the "Special Jury Prize for Outstanding Performance" for his portrayal of Dex. During the past winter movie season, he appeared in both Reindeer Games and The Big Tease. Currently in theaters, he can be seen in no fewer than three pictures (he has a supporting role in The Patriot as the bigoted militiaman and plays one of the inept criminals in The Opportunists). And, upcoming, he will play Stew Albert in Steal This Movie! While I don't agree that Logue's performance in The Tao of Steve was the best to be found at Sundance, it's certainly unforced and winning. (To play the part, not only did Logue have to put on some serious weight, but he had to wear a fat suit.)
The most enjoyable romantic comedies focus on characters, ideas, and dialogue (plotting is never a big issue, due to obvious constraints). The Tao of Steve is strong in all three areas. Admittedly, the men and women populating this movie do not talk the way real people talk, but since what they have to say is so interesting, we're willing to forgive the cinematic conceit. The Tao of Steve probably won't make many Top 10 lists (although, considering the kind of weak year this has been to date, maybe that's a premature statement), but it will be remembered for its fresh, breezy approach and its easy mingling of pop culture and spiritualism.
© 2000 James Berardinelli