Director
Riley Stearns
Starring
Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots
Run Time
104 mins
Release Year
2019
Country of Origin
USA
Language
English
Director of Photography: Michael Ragen
Editor: Sarah Beth Shapiro
Produced by: Andrew Kortschak, Walter Kortschak, Cody Ryder, Stephanie Whonsetler
Music: Heather McIntosh
Screenplay by: Riley Stearns
Production Designer: Charlotte Royer
The Art of Self-Defense
The Art of Self-Defense is funny, weird, absurd and insightful, and while it spends time mulling over masculinity (rather like a funnier Fight Club), its sheer sense of ridiculousness punctures any macho leanings. Jesse Eisenberg is perfect as Casey, a nervous accountant who turns to karate and the teachings of the enigmatic Sensei (Alessandro Nivola) after being beaten up by a biker gang. Imogen Poots as Anna, the dojo’s sole woman teacher, is a great foil for Casey’s new confidence. This film has cult classic written all over it – funny, deftly bizarre and oddly sweet. [15]