Synecdoche, New York (2008)

The Expectation: Phillip Seymour Hoffman is an amazing actor and Charlie Kaufman (Adaptation) is strange. Thus, I was expecting genius and totally prepared for the odd and the unusual, but done in the right way. Otherwise, I don't even think I had seen the preview.

The result: Genius and strange. The film is one of those glorious abstract stories where the plot itself is secondary to the messages. Who cares what really happens in a logical world; the longing that the film creates is unprecedented. Kaufman moves between time and space, through reality into metaphor and does not stop to ask you if it is ok. But the pace of the film constructs an atmosphere that reflects real loneliness, and that can only happen when real time is thrown aside and the character is rich, believable, and endearing. We do not pity him but we get close; and it is in this moment that one can really understand what Kaufman is trying to invoke- for you to relate to Caden grappling with this life. How can we really make sense of it; how can we relate to others who "are all disappointing" eventually. You will like this one but only if you don't focus on the plot too much- like viewing a magic eye poster- make your vision blurry and you will see the hidden image.

Things to pay attention to:
Samantha Morton- I underestimated her until this very moment.
Adele's art- Charlie Kaufman, you are a genius.

The Wrestler

The Wrestler (2008)
Directed by Darren Aronofsky

The Expectation:
This one took me a bit to see because I just seemed to miss it in the small amount of time it was in my town's independent theater. So, after the Oscar hype and watching the trailer a few times, lets just say that my expectations were high. I knew what I was getting into. I expected great acting, a very human story, and fantastic filming. In short, I wanted it to be the great independent drama that I live for in my love for film.

The result:
And it was. Go see this film. Not only is the story good, and the acting great, but the pace is righ on. The pain that these characters embody is real and it is hard to not become heavily invested in their lives- even though you may know where the film is headed. And the filming is very fantastic. There is a very interesting connection between the two lead characters in a way that allows Aronofsky to make a statement about the perception our culture has of the lower class. Strippers and wrestlers are grouped through his unique filming and I found myself moved, by the end of the film, from cringing through the wrestling matches and lap dances, to an empathy I would not have thought myself capable of before watching the film. In a way, their human stories force you to believe in their pain, their fight, and their connection. They make you reconsider your own notions of wrestlers and strippers. Go out and watch this one. This film made me understand wrestling like I had not before- it was my Bagger Vance for wrestling.

Pay attention to:
The cinematography- dark and yet humbling tones.
The sequences where the two leads are filmed- walking shot from behind. Very cool.
Your progression- how does your reaction change throughout the film?
The nature of sacrifice- I had to think about this for a long while...