He’s here to save Walter’s life.|Feb. 11, 2011|United States | United Arab Emirates|91 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama
Description: “The Beaver” is a 2011 comedy-drama film directed by Jodie Foster and written by Kyle Killen. A joint production between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, it features Mel Gibson, Foster, Anton Yelchin, and Jennifer Lawrence in leading roles. This film marks the second collaboration between Gibson and Foster since the 1994 movie “Maverick.” The story centers on Walter Black, a depressed executive who hits rock bottom when his wife asks him to leave their home. At his lowest point, Walter begins using a beaver hand puppet to communicate with others and confront his emotional struggles.
The film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival on March 16, 2011, and was released in the United States on May 6, 2011, by Summit Entertainment. While it received generally positive reviews for Foster’s direction and the performances of the cast, the premise was considered by many to be unconventional. Released during a period of controversy surrounding Mel Gibson, including public criticism and legal issues, the film struggled at the box office, earning just $7.3 million against a $21 million budget.
In the film, Walter Black is the CEO of Jerry Co., a struggling toy company facing bankruptcy. After being pushed out by his wife, he moves into a hotel and experiences several suicide attempts. Eventually, he discovers a beaver hand puppet in the trash, which he uses to develop an alternate personality. Constantly wearing the puppet, Walter communicates exclusively through it, which helps him recover emotionally. He rebuilds his relationship with his younger son, Henry, and reconnects with his wife, though his elder son, Porter, remains distant. Walter also revives his career by launching a successful line of Mr. Beaver Building Kits for children.
Cast director: Jodie Foster
Cast actor: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Jennifer Lawrence, Anton Yelchin, Zachary Booth, Riley Thomas Stewart, Kelly Coffield Park, Cherry Jones, Jeff Corbett, Baylen Thomas
Original name: The Beaver