★★★★☆
Burt is an obscure look into the life of a street musician living with Parkinson’s disease after discovering he has a son in his thirties whom he has never met.
The fact that the film is inspired by real events, specifically those of lead actor Burt Berger himself, is quite interesting. While compelling on its own, it also brings a deeper understanding to the character of Sammy, played by Oliver Cooper.
While the film at its core is about two people learning the meaning of family and connection, what initially presents itself as a drama-comedy gradually transforms into a deeper examination of humanity.
“What begins as a drama-comedy evolves into a surprisingly moving exploration of family, connection, and humanity.”
Director Joe Burke and star Oliver Cooper co-wrote a script that operates on two levels. On the surface, it is engaging through its wit, slapstick humor, and grounded comedy. Beneath that, however, is a thoughtful character study built around people who feel both larger than life and completely authentic.
The fact that Burt’s roommate has a washing machine sitting in his living room for over a year because he believes it is broken—even after technicians have repeatedly assured him it works fine—is hilarious. He calls the company every day, refusing to accept their explanation.
Not only is it a funny running gag, but it is instrumental in defining who the character is and why he makes so many bizarre decisions from the moment Sammy walks through the door.
These moments may seem outlandish to some, yet they ring true because they are rooted in recognizable human behavior. Even small interactions, such as Burt insisting everyone conserve water by turning the shower off while soaping up, feel authentic to who he is.
The script does an excellent job of capturing its characters as people while highlighting the hilarious, frustrating, and relatable moments that define them. In the spirit of Everybody Loves Raymond, Burt presents a realistic look at family life while embracing the eccentricities and absurdities that come with it.
“Its greatest strength is not its comedy, but how truthfully it captures the strange habits and quirks that make people feel real.”
Burt not only highlights these moments brilliantly, it captures them with sincerity and understanding.
The artistic decision to shoot the film in black and white is without question one of its defining characteristics, adding an entirely new layer to the experience.
Daniel Kenji Levin’s cinematography is simple but captivating. Every shot feels intentional.
The opening scenes showcase Burt Berger’s music, which inspired the film itself. From there, the cinematography largely takes a back seat to the characters and score, allowing the performances to remain front and center.
The result is a beautiful black-and-white aesthetic that offers a tone and essence you simply would not get from color. The visual style feels closer to Alexander Payne’s Nebraska than Kevin Smith’s Clerks.
Tim Rutili’s score captures the spirit of both the musician and the musical nature of the film. Built primarily around subtle string arrangements, it often lingers quietly in the background, surfacing only when necessary. The score never overwhelms the film, instead complementing its emotional beats.
Joe Burke’s vision is clear throughout. He remains focused on his characters, but more importantly, on the people behind them. At its core, Burt is a film about human connection and the importance of finding it.
From a directing standpoint, there are some pacing issues and a handful of moments that feel slightly out of place compared to the rest of the film. Yet those instances are few and far between. Noticeable, certainly, but ultimately inconsequential.
By the time the film reaches its conclusion, those concerns fade away thanks to an ending that wraps everything up with elegance and emotional clarity.
“Any minor pacing issues are ultimately overshadowed by an ending that is both elegant and deeply satisfying.”
The performances are well crafted across the board, but Oliver Cooper’s work stands above the rest.
The way Cooper brings Sammy to life without ever reducing him to a caricature is a remarkable achievement. He walks a delicate line, ensuring the character remains believable, sympathetic, and emotionally grounded throughout.
Knowing the film is inspired by actual events only makes the performance more impressive. Cooper captures the complexity of the character while honoring the humanity at the center of the story, delivering what ultimately becomes the film’s strongest performance.
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