By Andrea K. Hammer
My Salinger Year, based on the book by Joanna Rakoff (Margaret Qualley), is a drama following an aspiring writer’s experiences as an assistant to J.D. Salinger‘s literary agent Margaret (Sigourney Weaver).
Imaginative Cinematic Twist
Playing Joanna Rakoff with youthful exuberance, Margaret Qualley captures her idealistic desire to be “extraordinary.” As an impulsive young woman who frequently disregards the literary agent’s guidelines, Joanna responds to J.D. Salinger‘s fan mail with personal replies rather than following the required form letters. In an imaginative cinematic twist, the fans come to life and have visible exchanges with Joanna, who is sometimes taken to task for breaking the agency’s rules.
Actress Skillfully Combines Conflicting Qualities
As the literary agent Margaret, Sigourney Weaver is perfectly cast, skillfully combining exterior toughness with underlying soft-heartedness. The actress perceptively conveys the literary agent’s simultaneous wariness of her young hire and growing dependence on Joanna’s savvy understanding of clients. The actress reveals the literary agent’s vulnerability after suffering a tragic personal loss and finally lets down her guard in a particularly moving scene with her assistant.
Fascinating Snapshot of Literary Agency
My Salinger Year is especially notable as a snapshot of one literary agency, where Margaret believes that dictaphones and typewriters versus computers result in greater productivity. Along with Margaret’s role as Joanna’s sometimes demanding but ultimately enthusiastic mentor, the young woman’s telephone conversations with the unseen J.D. Salinger also serve as interesting vehicles for writing advice and encouragement. The genuine support from other colleagues in Joanna’s office is heartening and contributes to the young woman’s growing self-confidence and final decision at the end of the film.
Unconventional Filmmaking Techniques
Although unclear time sequences, frequent breaking of the fourth wall and repeated fan appearances raise questions for viewers, My Salinger Year offers a fascinating insider’s view of the literary world. What are your thoughts about some of the unconventional techniques in this film and general reactions to the story?
