For such a distinguished novelist it’s a shame that Philip Roth hasn’t enjoyed a great adaptation of his work – until now. Schamus’ debut feature is a rich but restrained account of a nation on the precipice of cultural upheaval; the director carefully weaves together themes of class, faith, and sexual liberation against the backdrop of the Korean War.

The cast are excellent, but Schamus’ triumph is in extracting an astonishing performance from Logan Lerman who stars opposite a wonderfully understated Sarah Gadon. Even if the bookending sequences thematically overstretch, the film remains an alluring, moving tapestry of a nation unfolding.

James Schamus’ feature-length debut is a classy affair; beside last year’s Brooklyn, Indignation stands as another impressive ode to a decade often forgotten in America’s recent history. 

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, Danny Burstein, Linda Emond, Tracy Letts

DIRECTOR: James Schamus

WRITER: James Schamus (screenplay), Philip Roth (novel)

SYNOPSIS: Markus is a gifted student with a bright future who only wants to keep his head down and study. That all changes when Olivia enters his life.

Indignation was reviewed as part of One Room With A View’s coverage of the 66th Berlinale Film Festival, which runs 11-21 February 2016.