The Beaver (1:31) 2011

The Beaver is a Jodie Foster directed drama starring Mel Gibson. Walter (Gibson) is a deeply depressed toy company executive who is on the verge of losing both his business and family. After a failed suicide attempt, a beaver puppet comes to the rescue. Walter finds the puppet in a dumpster and begins to have a conversation with the Beaver. Walter then requires that his family and coworkers speak directly to the puppet who speaks with a cockney accent. While woodworking with his younger son Henry, Walter comes up with a new toy which quickly becomes a hit. With his business now secure, Walter continues to struggle with his family life especially with his older son Porter. Porter is a bright high school student who writes term papers for other students charging a substantial fee. As time goes on, Porter who doesn't want to be like his father, displays some of his father's traits and reactions. I thought this was a very good film. It deals with the serious subject of depression and mental illness in a very realistic manner. I do have to say that when Walter is battling with the beaver, the film takes on a Twilight Zone feel. The cast is excellent especially Gibson. His portrayal of a depressed man is on target.