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| The Art of Getting By |
Plot
George (
Freddie Highmore)
is a fatalistic high school senior who is a gifted artist. George is
often haunted by the realization that he will die someday. He ceases to
complete his homework, as he feels that everything seems meaningless. As
a result, he is put on academic probation. The next day, George goes up
to the school roof and sees Sally (
Emma Roberts)
smoking. When a teacher comes up, George quickly pulls out a cigarette
and takes the blame. Sally meets up with George to thank him, and though
George is at first reluctant to talk to her, he soon warms up to her.
On Career Day, George meets a young artist, Dustin and is
inspired by his thoughts about life. He brings Sally with him to visit
Dustin and it becomes apparent that Dustin likes Sally. Sally invites
George to a New Year's Eve party. At the party, she dances with her ex,
while George gets drunk, puking outside before falling asleep in the
alley. Sally finds him there and apologizes. She then takes him back to
her place and tucks him in a cot beneath her bed. For Valentine's Day,
the two go out to dinner and Sally asks him to have sex with her, after
inquiring that he had never done it. George, clearly shocked, doesn't
answer. After his pause, Sally says they shouldn't as he is her only
real friend. He is quiet for the rest of the time they're together and
goes home early. He doesn't answer Sally's calls or talk with her at
all. Sally instead invites Dustin out and flirts with him. The two of
them start going on dates after Dustin kisses her.
George doesn't do his English term paper and is brought to the
principals office. The principal gives George two choices: expulsion or
do every piece of undone homework, about a years worth. At home, George
confronts his stepfather about lying about work, and they get into a
physical fight. George takes off for Sally's place. She brings him into
the hallway, where he kisses her. Sally kisses him back but breaks it
off, revealing Dustin in her apartment. George leaves but Dustin catches
up with him and accuses George of not acting soon enough. Angry and
hurt, George leaves. The next morning, George finds his mother at the
park. She explains that his stepfather lied to her about work and that
they're divorcing. George consoles her and begins to rethink his
situation with Sally. At school, he gets each of his missing assignments
to complete. His one art project is to make a painting that is honest
and real. George completes the assignments and takes final exams, while
Sally continues being with Dustin.
Sally sends a text to George saying she needs to see him. Sally
and George meet in a bar, where Sally reveals she's going backpacking
with Dustin through Europe, and is skipping the high school graduation
ceremony. She says she still needs to be friends with him. George tells
her he loves her and it was unfair not to say it before. She takes his
hand. They go back to apartment and kiss. She says she's still going on
the trip but promises they will be together one day. And she admits she
loves him too. George triumphantly turns in all his assignments and his
art teacher applauds him on his art project. At the ceremony, George's
name is called and his mom is shown to be proud of him. George goes back
to the art classroom and looks at his art project: Sally's smiling
face. Sally, having opted not to go to Europe with Dustin, enters the
room and stands next to George, holding hands. He asks her what she's
going to do now and she squeezes his hand and says she doesn't know, and
then they both look at each other and smile. The film closes.
Cast
