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October 23, 2005
Good Snarky Copy
The Aardvark inspired me to speak.
Okay, so what the hell is up with artsy films? Slice of life meandering without a real beginning and never a full conclusion seems to be the new formula for ab fab "perfect" films. And of course they're perfect because the masses have no interest.
My most recent foray into this genre was Me and You and Everyone We Know. The vast majority of film critics creamed themselves over this movie. There were definitely aspects of it I enjoyed. And it makes more sense now that I know the writer/director/star is a performance artist and this is her first film.
Let me explain - I understand why this film got an R rating. I do not understand why the writer chose to write the akward, uncomfortable to watch scenes. I had to read a review to understand how those scenes were palatable to anyone. Supposedly, they represent a child's complete lack of knowledge about all things sexual and his innocent foray into instant messaging and meeting your messaging partner. I'm sorry, but it was just too gross and pulled me right out of the movie experience. And what kind of older brother (age 14) allows his 7 year-old younger brother to help him engage in virtual sex?
Yes, the main story line was sweet and interesting. But what the hell was the point of this disturbing secondary story? I am not as easily convinced as Roger Ebert. And I'm sick of the formula. Instead of just creating interesting characters, how bout having a story? Why is the indie formula to simply show part of a life? They remind me of short stories: interesting for as far as they go, but never a complete story. I don't need a linear story, but I do need a complete one.
Catch-22, on the other hand, was a good dramatization of a classic novel. Mike Nichols is one of my favorite directors. Alan Arkin was a perfect Yossarian. I also enjoyed Art Garfunkel, Martin Sheen, Jon Voight, and Orson Welles. Now there's a fabulous completely non-linear, absurd story. It packs a bigger punch as a novel, but it was still great as a film.
Posted by cj at October 23, 2005 10:11 PM
Comments
This is why I stick to mainstream. Good, bad or down-right awful, you can always understand the motivation to produce them - money. One less question to perplex you whilst you try to mentally leap the gaping plot holes.
Posted by: theaardvark at October 24, 2005 08:44 AM