About Our Idiot Brother (HBO)

"Our Idiot Brother" is a comedy-drama movie released by HBO in 2011. The film stars Paul Rudd in the lead role of Ned Rochlin, an idealistic biodynamic farmer who gets sent to jail after selling cannabis to a uniformed police officer. Upon his release, he finds that his girlfriend has kicked him out and sold his belongings. Effectively homeless, Ned has to couch surf among his three sisters, bringing turmoil, misunderstandings, and unintentional wisdom into their lives.

Making/Production

The film was directed by Jesse Peretz and the screenplay was written by David Schisgall and Evgenia Peretz. Produced by Anthony Bregman, Marc Turtletaub, and Peter Saraf, the movie was filmed using digital cinematography in various locations in New York City.

Actors

• Paul Rudd as Ned Rochlin, played his character with an innocent charm and unintentional ability to cause drama.
• Elizabeth Banks as Miranda, portrays Ned's career-minded sister who is unprepared for his intrusion into her life.
• Zooey Deschanel as Natalie, brings quirkiness to her role as Ned's free-spirited and slightly naive sister.
• Emily Mortimer as Liz, depicted the conservative and caring side of Ned's three sisters, with an underlying sense of exasperation.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The film was initially titled "My Idiot Brother" but was later renamed "Our Idiot Brother" to present a more familial perspective.
• Though set in various locations around New York City, the movie was largely filmed in Long Island City, Queens, and Brooklyn.
• Paul Rudd's real-life siblings, Julie Rudd and Mandi Rudd Arnold, have cameo roles in the film.

Awards

Although "Our Idiot Brother" was not a major award-winning film, it has received positive reviews for the performances, especially Paul Rudd's endearing portrayal of Ned.

Quotes

• "A lie is a gesture, it's a courtesy. It's a little respect. This is why civilisation is what it is." - Ned
• "The ground is like a person. You wanna feed it. You wanna nourish it." - Ned
• "I like to think that if you put your trust out there, if you really give people the benefit of the doubt, see their best intentions, people will rise to the occasion." - Ned

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's original score was composed by Nathan Larson and Eric D. Johnson.
• The soundtrack features several songs from indie rock bands, including Fruit Bats and Willie Nelson.
• The chosen songs are light, fun, and portray a laid-back feel that complements Ned's personality throughout the film.