Experiential Paper

Experiential Paper

Oh the people you encounter when traveling abroad.  The language barriers and awkward situations I encountered on my travel weekend to Italy were numerous, but there were a few worth mentioning.  Chelsea Harrington and decided at the last minute to go on adventure to Venice and Rome.  Our first stop was Venice, and after a long trip and a stop at Bologna Centrale in the middle of the night (that’s a story for another time) we were relieved to make it to our destination.  The following accounts are not so much about our excursions and the landmarks we saw on our trips, which were breathtaking, but more about the random people who made our trip epic.

Argentinean Woman

            First on our memory making journey was the Argentinean woman staying at the same hostel as us in Venice.  The woman, who looked to be about forty and at least a good ten years older than everyone staying at the hostel, was ecstatic to meet Chelsea and me.  Upon entering our room, she immediately got off the bunk bed she was sitting on when we walked into the room.  We were only in Venice for the night, but this Argentinean woman was the only person we met who was staying in our room.  I swear I have never met anyone so excited to be somewhere, but she never seemed to leave the hostel.  With her broken English and thick accent there was a definite communication barrier.  But this woman, who never actually told us her name, was not shy and was eager to make conversation with Chelsea and me.  Another thing that should be known about this nameless woman is that she was never wearing pants.  Literally every time I walked into the room she was sitting on her bed in her underwear.  Even as Chelsea and I awoke at 5:30am on Saturday morning to make our way to the train station for Rome, this woman was wide awake.  She was standing at the window in what else but her underwear.  As soon as she saw we were awake she ran over to our beds and furiously waved us over to join her at the window.  In my tired state I walked over to the window to see what all the commotion was about.  I was nervous that something was wrong from the way she was acting, but when I peered out the window there was a cruise ship.  This woman’s reaction to the sight was as if she had seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary.  What made it even more hilarious was the fact that there were boats everywhere, seeing as how that is the only way to get around Venice.  I still can’t figure out if the woman ever actually left the hostel to explore the city, but she sure was happy to be there.  We were happy to have been there too, but we had more to see and were then on our way to Rome.

Luigi

            Chelsea and I managed to make it to Rome without a hitch and spent a full day at The Vatican taking in the rich history and musing in awe at the Sistine Chapel.  Traveling on foot all day, we intended to find our hotel before dinner.  As we walked up and down the streets of Rome looking for Hotel Roma our fatigue and lack of sleep began to set in.  After about an hour of walking through the streets with backpacks in tow we realized we weren’t looking for Hotel Roma at all. It must have been the lack of sleep, but upon further review of our directions I realized we were looking for Rome Hotel Accommodations a bed and breakfast literally across the street from the train station.  I still have no idea where the name Hotel Roma came from or why I was under the impression that was what we were looking for, but we were happy to finally make it to our hotel.  At this point we would have been happy with anywhere that could offer us a place to put down our backpacks and rest our feet.  We waited at the lobby desk for an attendant that could show us to our room.  I could tell we were both on the brink of a breakdown, and then Luigi walked in.  He was nothing like we were expecting. He was young, Italian, fashionable, and hot.  I looked over to see Chelsea’s reaction to this pleasant surprise.  I for one was expecting an old fat Italian man.  I caught Chelsea checking Luigi out, she looked him up and down (she isn’t exactly discreet when checking men out).  I made eye contact with her and there was instant understanding.  She began to giggle like a middle school girl and then I couldn’t contain my excitement any longer.  As we broke the silence with our laughter Luigi looked up from the paper work he was filling out, confused.  He then led us to an old timey elevator and told us he would meet us on the second floor to show us our room.  After a miscommunication about what floor we were on, that only made us look like dumb American girls, Luigi led us into our room.  The accommodations were perfect; we had our own room in an adorable apartment with tons of character.  We were impressed with both the room, and Luigi, but after leaving us to get acquainted with our surroundings we never saw him again.  We expected to see him at checkout the next day, but instead were met with a middle aged woman who I’m pretty sure was missing some teeth.  This was not the goodbye we had expected and despite our disappointment at not seeing Luigi one last time, we agreed that he was the most beautiful thing we saw in Italy, or at least a close second to the Sistine Chapel.

All Other Italian Males

            Well I learned quickly that traveling with Chelsea was a sure way to attract the stereotypical Italian men.  We definitely heard our fair shares of “Ciao Bella!”  Chelsea, a hot commodity in Italy with her light eyes and blonde hair was like honey to the bees, the bees being all the men in Italy.  I felt like a publicist traveling with a celebrity.  At one point outside of the Coliseum a group of twenty something Italian guys pleaded with Chelsea for a picture, yes they wanted a picture with her.  Her celebrity status only continued as we met some more Italian men later that night when we were having drinks outside in an outside bar area.  The two men who were clearly inebriated tried desperately to mount their bikes while continuously failing.  The men must have taken our laughter at the ridiculous sight as an invitation for a conversation.  But of course there was a language barrier.  The men invited Chelsea to meet them for drinks the following night, much to their dismay we were leaving Rome in the morning.  However, that did not dissuade one of the men, Marco, who gave Chelsea his business card and told her if she was ever in Rome again he would be happy to show her around. 

            Upon arriving back to Juan Les Pins on Sunday night Chelsea and I decided emailing Marco could make for a good laugh.  Not even sure if he remembered our encounter considering how drunk he was the previous night we composed an email to Marco.  The email said nothing more than it was nice to meet him and if Chelsea was ever back in Rome she would be sure to let him know.  We promptly received an email back saying the following:

hello I’m glad to receive your email and my English ‘bad but I hope to improve (I am using google traslator). E ‘was great to meet you and hope to know you better and rivedereti soon. What are you doing in life? work in Alitalia Airline

So if nothing else Chelsea now has a new pen pal to “riverdereti” with, whatever that means.

            The people we encountered made our trip just as much as the sightseeing.  I personally believe we had the best traveling weekend of anyone on the trip, and the people we met only helped to take our trip to the next level.

“Martha Marcy May Marlene” Review

Title: Martha Marcy May Marlene; Director: Sean Durkin; Running Time: 101 min; Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Sarah Paulson, John Hawkes, Hugh Dancy

 

Review 6: Martha Marcy May Marlene

            I’ve always been intrigued by cults and how people get brainwashed into joining them, but when I think about a film about a cult I immediately think cheesy made for TV movie.  However, Martha Marcy May Marlene is anything but, the fresh film deals with the subject matter of a cult in a unique way.  The film, directed by Sean Durkin, explores the struggle of Martha after escaping a cult and trying to simultaneously start over in the real world while coming to terms with everything that happened during her time in the cult. 

Contrary to my expectations, this film does not explore what causes a person to join a cult, but rather the psychological journey of Martha after her escape.  Expectations aside, I was not disappointed in the least with the direction Durkin decided to take in delivering the story.  The movie portrays Martha’s time in the cult through flashbacks.  The editing is done with such fluidity that at times it becomes hard to distinguish what scenes are happening when due to the non-linear narrative style.  This method works to the films advantage surprising the viewer with scenes that keep the audience on their toes.  For example there are many scenes where the audience is at first led to believe are taking place in the cult only to reveal they are in fact occurring in the present.  The jumping back and forth coincides with the confusion Martha battles constantly and allow the audience to see the struggle through her eyes.   

Living with her older sister, Lucy (Sarah Paulson), after her escape, Martha keeps her past involvement with the cult a secret as she struggles internally.  This conflict between sisters works great for a parallel journey of characters.  The audience is able to sympathize with both sisters as we watch Martha’s unusual behavior and her sister’s frustration as she tries to help.  Unaware of the trauma Martha has endured, Lucy’s patience is tested.  Although the main story line revolves around Martha, Lucy and her husband’s struggle to make Martha feel at home while keeping their marriage together creates a great subplot that adds to the film without detracting from the main point.

The cast should be applauded for their work in this film.  Without great performances, the story could have fallen flat or certain scenes overdramatic at times reeking of a lifetime movie.  However, the cast brought dimension to the characters.  Newcomer Elizatheth Olsen, younger sister of the child stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, knocked the roll of Martha out of the water.  Who knew that there was an Olsen with talent?  Olsen’s portrayal of Martha depicted the emotional damage and fear of a young woman as she tries desperately to escape a haunting past.  Her acting never fell flat and her portrayal remained believable throughout the entire film. John Hawkes played the role of the monster of a cult leader who lures young men and women in to his mountain community under the impression that they are one big happy family.  Of course that soon fades and reality sets in as his true colors come out during the scenes of rape and voyeurism.  He perfectly executed the role of a cult leader who wins the hearts of the lost and impressionable with exoneration and the façade of being the only one who understands their hardships, only to reveal his creepiness.  His portrayal is sure to get under your skin with eerie scenes of him watching the cult members have an orgy and calmly teaching cult members how to burglarize homes.  Hugh Dancy also adds to the mix with his role of Lucy’s husband, Ted, who struggles as his marriage suffers due to Martha’s return.  Dancy, who usually portrays a charming love interest in films such as Confessions of a Shopaholic, shows that he can play more complex characters.  His character, Ted, is initially welcoming of Martha, but quickly becomes angry and upset as Martha’s bizarre behavior elevates.  Dancy’s portrayal of a frustrated husband whose honeymoon phase of marriage is turned upside down by the arrival of a new family member only added to the film’s already talented cast. 

The film does a great job of depicting such heavy subject matter in a unique way.  With such happenings as the famous Heaven’s Gate cult committing group suicide many are already intrigued with cults and the power they have over people.  However, the focus on just one girl rather than a group as whole, allows the audience to intimately see what Martha has been through. 

Little by little the movie reveals just how deep the wounds from the cult are. Even the tongue twister of a title is revealed.  Each name representing an ego that Martha identifies with, Martha being her birth name, Marcy May her given cult name, and Marlene used by all the women in the cult upon answering phone calls.  I for one was happy to get an explanation and the title, which actually makes sense now, is very fitting for the film about identity and finding one’s role in society.

Durkin’s debut as director and writer is a strong start.  With a film like Martha Marcy May Marlene he has set the bar high for himself.  I sure hope to see more of his work in the future and can’t wait to see what he will bring to the table.  Although it may have trouble attracting audiences because of the name, I believe that the film has the potential to draw a large audience and who knows maybe even become the makings of a “cult” classic.

“Black Bread” Review

Title: Black Bread; Director: Augusti Vilaronga; Running Time: 108min; Cast: Francesc Colomer, Marina Comas, Nora Navas, Roger Casamajor

Review 5: Black Bread

Some films hook the audience right from the start and keep you on the edge of your seat whole way through.  Beginning the movie with a bang or some sort of huge statement is an effective technique to keep the audience wanting more. Black Bread directed by Augusti Vilaronga has this exact type of opening.

The story begins when a young boy, Andrue (Francesc Colomer), discovers two dead bodies in the small Spanish village he lives in.  Taking place in the 1940s during fascist post war rule in Spain, Andrue’s father is a known threat against the fascist government and an activist of sorts.  Because of his defiance of the government he is immediately accused of the murder and Andrue is sent to live with his grandmother and aunts while his father is on the run.  Andrue quickly learns of the harsh cruelties of life as he desperately tries to hold on to his father’s ideals of hope and freedom. 

The film is very reminiscent of Guiellermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth in style, and similarities can easily be drawn.  While the film does have some fantastical elements just as Pan’s Labyrinth they serve as more of a back story revealing the legend of Pitorliua.  The legend of Pitorliua, a political activist that was supposedly killed for his opposition to the fascists, who still roams the woods of the forests and has the wings of a bird, infatuates Andrue, until he learns the truth about Pitorliua. 

The film explores very current issues in an interesting context. Dealing with homosexuality and syphilis in the context of fascist Catalan, Spain, the film takes a lot of chances.  When Andrue find out the real Pitorliua was actually tortured and killed for being a suspected homosexual and possibly at the hands of his father, he calls into question everything his father has ever taught him. Tackling controversial topics in a setting that seems so far away in time and place from today’s society helped soften the blow and create a dialogue for heated issues.   

The film also focuses on class discrepancies and the ill treatment the lower class receives from those in power.  Manipulation and lies begin to cloud innocent Andrue’s head as he is quickly introduced to the harsh realities of life.  Black Bread, referring to the black bread rationed off to the poor is described by Andrue’s mother as representing the black souls of the fascists who give out the bread.  Working tirelessly to support her family she is a prime example of sacrificial love. 

The one downfall of the film is that it tries to juggle many subplots and subject matters and at times goes off on tangents.  Everything from Andrue’s promiscuous aunt to his young female cousin being molested by her drunken teacher is touched on in the film.  There are many such tangents that help show Andrue’s growth and coming of age while living with his grandmother, but at times these distract from the journey rather than aide it. 

The young actor Francesc Colomer made his feature film debut in this film, but his performance shows the experience of a seasoned veteran rather than a newcomer.  Colomer carried the film with his performance.  The film, which revolved around Andrue’s journey to clear his father’s name turns into a different journey entirely as Andrue learns hard truths about life and must make decisions that no child should have to make.  The experiences of Colomer’s character are heavy and difficult for an actor of his age to depict and connect with.  Colomer was able to capture the innocence of Andrue while also showing his growth, eventually turning into a cold bitter young man full or resentment. 

The film does a great job of allowing the audience to build a connection with Andrue as most of the film from his perspective.  The audience finds out information about the murders and about Andrue’s father at the same time he does.  It is easy to be on Andrue’s side so to speak as the narrative is done through his eyes.  However, as more facts are revealed the audience becomes aware that Andrue, although mature, is still a child and that the adults have kept secrets from him as a protective means.  Whether or not keeping certain things hidden from Andrue was really the best decision is up for the audience to decide. 

Black Bread is a complex film that deals with controversial subject matter in a time period that is even more restrictive than we can imagine today.  Yet, the parallels between 1940s Spain and current society are apparent.  The whole idea of being restricted and making decisions based on your ideals and morals become complicated when you are concerned for the well being of your family.  This film illustrates the love a father has for his son and the lengths he will go to in order to secure a happy future for his son.  While this film focuses on family it is anything but a family film.  The film is aimed at an adult audience due to the sexual content and graphic violence.  Black Bread pulls you in from the get go and leaves you wanting more at the end, which is exactly what I want to see when watching a film.

“Midnight in Paris” Review

Title: Midnight in Paris; Running Time: 100min; Director: Woody Allen; Actors: Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Kathy Bates, Marion Cotillard, Michael Sheen, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams

Review 4: Midnight in Paris

 

Woody Allen’s films tend to be hit or miss with the audience.  Despite his loyal fan base the last few films he has put out have been misses. However, Allen’s new film, Midnight in Paris, has the formula to win over audiences.  Filled with witty humor and a talented cast the film has the ability to win back those Woody Allen fans that have fallen by the wayside in recent years.

The film follows a newly engaged couple Gil and Inez (Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams) as they travel to Paris with Inez’s parents on business.  Gil, a struggling writer, is inspired by the city and all it has to offer.  Toying with the idea of moving to Paris permanently means a complete life change for the couple, one that they might not be ready for.

The gifted cast does a great job of bringing the characters to life and help to really make the film.  With performances from Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Adrien Brody, and Kathy Bates just to name a few.  The film has no shortage of talent.  Each actor brought something new to the table.  Rachel McAdams known for winning over the crowd with her endearing qualities did anything but in this film.  Playing Inez as a cold self centered woman was a change of pace from her usual roles.  The change of pace was interesting, considering her character was despisable.  Michael Sheen’s portrayal of Paul, a pretentious know it all, annoyed the living daylights out of you, while simultaneously making you laugh at his ridiculousness.  Other actors had the challenge of bringing historical figures back from the dead so to speak.  Adrien Brody tried his hat at the role of Salvador Dali and came out with flying colors.  Playing the eccentric realist to a tee, Brody’s role although small, was memorable.  Emulating the likes of famous authors and artists was done masterfully and each embodiment was done perfectly.

Owen Wilson’s performance brings a smile to the audiences face with his usual comedic timing.  Just as Rachel McAdam’s role differed from her previous roles, this role too is a change for Owen Wilson.  He wins over the hearts of the audience with his portrayal of Gil.  The humor is there, but more subtle than in movies such as Wedding Crashers.  Owen Wilson seems to be heading in the direction of the charming leading man rather than off the wall crude “guy” humor.  His performance as Gil makes the audience fall in love with a sweet man full of passion and at times naivety.  His performance is endearing and you find yourself rooting for his character the whole way through. 

The use of allusions to past works and famous faces of yesteryear made this film memorable.  The references are not necessarily meant for a mainstream crowd, which is why the film may not see success at the box office, but there is definitely an audience out there for it.  With Woody Allen’s reputation and fan base there should still be a large audience for the film.  The film’s humor lies in its many literary and artistic references to 20^th Century geniuses.  The film has a heavy focus on works of artists from the 1920s, a time period that is portrayed as the “Golden Age”.  For someone with knowledge of the references, which are by no means obscure, there will be lots of laughter to be had.

Set to the backdrop of Paris the film had an authentic air about it.  Watching the film makes you feel the magic of the city and takes you there.  As a spectator watching the beautiful city at night through Gil’s eyes you can’t help but feel the same wonderment of his character.  The film mixes the realistic backdrop of Paris today with fantastical scenes that take place in a different era.  The mixture makes Paris all the more alluring.  Romanticizing an already romantic city seems like a hard task, but this movie was able to capture Paris at day, night, past, and present all in the course of just over an hour. The movie did a great job of bringing to life the city on screen and I for one was ready to book a flight after watching the film.

An interesting cinematic choice the film used was not differentiating with camera techniques or in post production the realistic scenes and the dreamlike scenes.  The technique worked well because it emphasized the importance of all the scenes for Gil’s journey and how realistic everything actually was for him.  Although parts of the film seemed fantastical the happenings were real.  For the audience there definitely needs to be a willingness to let go and just go with the film.  It is playful and doesn’t need to be overanalyzed.

            Midnight in Paris differs from a lot of Woody Allen’s previous films and while already devoted fans will be pleased, there is a lot of potential to attract new Wood Allen fans with this film.  The wide recognition of the actors will certainly help to attract an audience.  However, if you are unfamiliar with the many references in the film a lot of the jokes will fall on deaf ears.  As someone who has been less than pleased with Woody Allen’s work in recent years, I was happily surprised and more than satisfied with Midnight in Paris.

“The Snows of Kilimanjaro” Review

Title: The Snows of Kilimajaro; Director: Robert Guédiguian; Running Time: 107’; Actors: Anais Demoustier, Ariane Ascaride, Gérard Meylan, Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Julie Marie Parmentiere

Review 3: The Snows of Kilimanjaro

 

            It is easy to get bogged down with movies these days that have extremely abstract themes or that just try too hard to make an artistic statement.  While there is nothing wrong with films that use this technique to provoke thought, sometimes the actual story of a film is forfeited.  The Snows of Kilimanjaro, directed by Robert Guédiguian is a film that is carried by a strong story, that helps it stand out against many films being generated today.

            For those movie buffs out there, this film is not a remake of the 1952 classic starring Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward.  While the film does portray some of the same themes such as reflection on one’s life, Guédiguian’s work is completely original.  Of course the original film is alluded to, but in the context of the new film the title has a new significance. 

            Michel and Marie Claire (Leprince-Ringuet and Ascaride) have the perfect quaint middle class life filled with love and friends.  Even after Michel is laid off from his job at the shipyard the couple remains resilient until they are attacked and robbed in their own home.  After the shock of discovering that the one of the perpetrators was a young worker who was also laid off from the shipyard, the couple struggles to find their footing again. 

The depiction of a couple who is happily in love after thirty years together is a refreshing change of pace.  The couple is the epitome of “good people”.  Their humble nature and acts of goodwill are depicted as a rarity.  However, there contriteness becomes an obstacle they must battle with as they try to reestablish their relationship amongst the differing opinions of friends and family. 

The film brings to light some major differences between today’s youth and the older generation.  It’s hard to say this is a sweet film when reflecting on the issues at hand.  There is a clear battle between generations in the film, and the idea that with age comes the wisdom and understanding that can only be achieved through life experiences. 

The Snows of Kilimanjaro looks at three generations and paints a picture that is true not only to the small French port town that the film is set, but also a universal picture.  The film is relatable to everyday people.  It especially relates to the American public at such a time of economic crisis.  Focusing on middle working class issues and financial struggles allows the audiences to connect easily with the characters and situations presented.

Although the film follows a traditional structure and rubric, with a definite beginning, middle, and end, there is still a lot of room for complexity in the content presented.  The movie does not rely on special effects or innovative cinematography like many modern films often do.  Instead the story provides a solid foundation.  The film gets back to the basics of filmmaking and the result is a pleasant surprise that outshines many movies being put out in this day and age. 

The film is not lacking in cinematographic value, it just doesn’t put all its eggs in one basket so to speak.  The film is well rounded and is set beautifully in a picturesque ocean town.  Despite Michel and Marie-Claire’s desire to explore the world and get out of the town, when watching the film you can’t help but wonder why anyone would ever want to leave such a place.

There is an instant connection to Michel and Marie-Claire.  Rooting for good over evil though becomes hazy.  The film calls into question what classifies a person as good, and do good people do very bad things sometimes?  There are a lot of questions raised in this film that aren’t easy to answer.  The moral integrity of the main characters is a constant that guides the audience through the film.

The superb acting cannot be ignored and helped make the story believable.  With such a strong story the necessity of good acting to bring it to life is essential.  Leprince-Ringuet portrayed a Michel as a character with lots of depth.  It was apparent that there was a lot going on underneath the surface.  Considering the disconnect and complications that the couple encountered at certain points in the film the actors did a great job of getting across the point that their love for one another never wavered.  It is interesting to see a film that focuses on the middle aged point in life and that type of relationship dynamic rather than the typical beginning of a relationship and falling in love for the first time.  This film takes a look at a mature relationship of a couple that has made it through trials and tribulations and whose loves still stands strong. 

There is something to be said for the simplicity of living a modest life and being content with what you have.  The Snows of Kilimanjaro utilizes simple techniques to create a story that is anything but simple.  The film flows nicely and is easy to follow, but brings about deep issues simultaneously.  It is a film that can be enjoyed by young adults as well as an older generation.  I would venture to say that young and old can watch this film and feel connected to it for completely different reasons.  The film is dynamic with a story that can be enjoyed by many different walks of life.

“Restless” Review

Restless directed by Gus Van Sant is an alternative love story about a guy and girl that meet in the most unusual of circumstances.  A teenage boy fascinated with death falls in love with a girl who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  The film attempts to put a unique spin on your typical love story.  However, it seems to have fallen short on certain accounts.

            Enoch (Henry Hopper) a funeral crasher of sorts meets Annabell (Mia Wasikowska) at a funeral.  Both relatively new to the acting scene Hopper and Wasikowska showed great potential in this film.  Hopper, son of actor Dennis Hopper, made an impact in this breakout role.  Although there were a few scenes that seemed a bit melodramatic, his portrayal of a teenager dealing with great emotional distress translated well.  Hopper definitely caught my attention, but has a lot of room to grow as an actor.

Wasikowska’s performance should also be applauded and I am sure this is just the beginning of a blossoming career for her.  Her unique beauty is not all she has going for her and her performance in this film shows that she has the chops to take on meatier roles in the future.

This film was a character driven work, which follows in line with many of Van Sant’s movies.  The characters were well developed and it was easy to feel connected to their situations.  As predictable as certain parts of the movie were, it doesn’t change the fact that it made an emotional impact.  How could it not when the whole film revolves around death?

            It is not easy to present such heavy material about death in a light hearted way, but this film achieved that.  The use of the character Hiroshi, a ghost, as an intermediary between life and death was a great technique that brought humor and creativity to the film.  The ghost of a World War II kamikaze allows the audience to get inside the mind of Enoch. 

            The shot choices really helped to tell the story and create a setting that was fitting for this film.  The use of unsaturated colors helped to create a feeling of sadness and bring through the emotional journeys of the characters.  The film also uses a lots of nature imagery, which helps to show the natural cycle of life, one of the major themes of the film.

            The music choices also helped to create a generational tone.  Watching this film to the tune of bands such as the Beatles certainly evokes certain feelings for the audience.  Using such timeless well known music gives the film a vibe from a different era. 

            Along with the music there were many artistic choices that gave the film a feel of a different time period.  Annabell’s character dressing as if she raided her grandmother’s closet was a mystery to me.  Maybe these decisions were attempt to show that the two main characters personal lives had made them wise beyond their years, but I for one wasn’t buying it.

            The two characters have a whirlwind romance, and despite the film’s attempts to be alternative, it is all too cliché.  Unnatural dialogue and a cheesy montage of dates did not help to create a believable scenario.  I found the characters’ personalities to be annoying.  They tried so hard to be different that it became laughable.  Everything from costuming to the obscure names of the characters just seemed to scream “hipster”.  I am sure that this move will strike a chord with younger audiences, but others will not be able to relate.

             Although Van Sant is a seasoned veteran at this point in his career, the writer (Jason Lewis) and producer (Bryce Dallas Howard) were both first timers.  Bryce Dallas Howard has grown up under the wing of her father, famed director Ron Howard, so although this film was her producing debut she is no stranger to the industry.   It is great to see young people emerging in the industry.  I think the youthfulness of this film was evident, specifically in the writing.  The offbeat story lacked originality at points and was very predictable at times.  The film was not completely a bust and on a good note it had no loose ends and everything came full circle, which was refreshing. 

            With the mixture of new and experienced cast and crew working on this film seems like it would have made for a broad target audience.  However, this film definitely leans toward a younger crowd.  Despite the serious nature of the film, the atypical and off the wall behavior of the characters may not appeal to older audiences. 

             This film is like Garden State meets 500 Days of Summer meets Harold and Maude.  Although the story is original, the style of the film has already been done.  The combination of characters and quirky humor will definitely find a niche audience and perhaps even attract somewhat of a cult following. In fact the eccentric characters and the boy girl dynamic are very reminiscent of that in Garden State. 

            Although a lot of the elements of this film have been seen before that does not mean that it will not see success.  And although the film is not on the same caliber as some of Van Sant’s past films, such as Good Will Hunting, it entertaining none the less.  Really this film comes down to a matter of preference.  Some will walk out of the theatre pleasantly delighted, while others will be sitting in their seats restless…

           

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