Director Robert Budreau, clearly a huge Baker fan, pretty much jettisons the fictional movie production and focuses his attention on a more conventional narrative: reimagining Baker’s comeback attempt in the 1960s.
What keeps us interested is the superb performance of Ethan Hawke, who has quietly become one of the most reliable actors in American cinema.
Hawke inhabits Baker with a mix of charm, desperation, humor and sadness.
In a role that almost begs an actor to chew the scenery, Hawke never overdoes it; even his subtle rendition of “My Funny Valentine” hits the mark.
Playing the love interest is Carmen Ejogo, a promising actress saddled with the thankless role as the supportive partner.
Though Hawke and Ejogo both have easygoing screen presences, they are boring together, because Ejogo basically has nothing to do.
