1.   Biebe is a terrific role for Crowe, whose Rock of Gibraltar machismo anchors the film in decent common-sense values.

2.   He anchors the film with a benignly enigmatic presence that cannot help but contain some residual creepiness from his signature role, Hannibal Lecter.

3.   Initially, his skepticism anchors the film in its Chicago working-class neighborhood milieu.

4.   Rea anchors this film with a quiet but compelling performance as the sad and suspicious reporter who too easily separates his head from his heart.

5.   Richard E. Grant overstates his role, but Helena Bonham Carter anchors the film as his practical girlfriend.

6.   She more than anyone else holds the family together, and the startlingly fresh and powerful performance by Ms. Debassige anchors the film and gives it a deep resonance.

7.   The film is anchored by former network newsman Sander Vanocur and uses other current or former TV newsies in journalist roles.

8.   Whitaker, whose implacable presence anchors the film, has long been interested in Eastern philosophy and spent many hours discussing his character with Jarmusch.