Paper Man is a 2009 American independent dramedy film directed by Kieran and Michele Mulroney, starring Jeff Daniels, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, and Lisa Kudrow.
Struggling middle-aged writer Richard (Daniels) arrives at a Long Island beachside town with his imaginary superhero best friend "Captain Excellent" (Reynolds) whom he depends on to make important life decisions, looking to overcome his writers block as he starts his second novel. Richard then meets local 17-year-old high school student Abbey (Stone), who is haunted by her own past, and the two begin to form a friendship and help each other grow over the course of a winter under the disapproving eye of Richard’s estranged wife (Kudrow).
Not to be confused with the Disney animated short Paperman.
Tropes:
- Actor Allusion: Ryan Reynolds is in a familiar role playing a superhero.
- Advertised Extra: Most of the posters for the movie make it appear as though Ryan Reynolds is the main character rather than a supporting role.
- Awful Wedded Life: Richard and Claire’s previously happy marriage has developed into this and is on the edge of collapsing because they never had children.
- But Now I Must Go: At the end Richard finally says goodbye to Captain Excellent.
- Intergenerational Friendship: The middle-aged Richard forms a friendship with the 17-year-old high school student Abby.
- Last of His Kind: Richard tells Abbey about how he is the last of his family bloodline because he is childless, which is why he relates to the last Heath Hen
. - New York State: The movie takes place in a Long Island seaside town.
- Superhero: Richard’s imaginary friend "Captain Excellent" is shown to have the typical superhero costume of spandex/cape and the abilities of flight and super strength.
- Plot Twist: The boy who has been seen watching and following Abby is actually her own imaginary friend.
- Writer's Block: This is why Richard came to a long island seaside town, hoping the change of scenery will help him overcome his writers block.
