How does this differ from a soap opera? Similar largish number of characters (22 main ones), so-called real life situations, problems with relationships, no real resolution of situations, one or two shocks thrown in? Are expert direction and very fine acting performances enough to separate Short Cuts from the many meaningless and time-wasting (though popular) TV soaps? I can't see much difference, though admittedly it's in a different dimension for quality.
In Britain, there is a soap EastEnders which has a reputation for being particularly gritty and depressing. That sums up what I felt during and after I watched Short Cuts. Depressed. What pathetic lives, with their petty miseries, and nobody trying to even aspire to anything more meaningful or spiritual. Even the doctor (Matthew Modine) who somehow one wants to show a bit of humanity fails and turns away not making eye contact while telling parents devastating news about their only son's condition.
American Beauty (in my opinion) is a far more watchable film about malaise in modern American life. It has haunting beauty, and laugh-out-loud humour as well as its sweet and rotting sadness. Short Cuts however is difficult to assess. It is one of those films which are undoubtedly great, yet are not enjoyable to watch. Maybe 8/10 for film making quality, but only 1/10 for enjoyment.
In Britain, there is a soap EastEnders which has a reputation for being particularly gritty and depressing. That sums up what I felt during and after I watched Short Cuts. Depressed. What pathetic lives, with their petty miseries, and nobody trying to even aspire to anything more meaningful or spiritual. Even the doctor (Matthew Modine) who somehow one wants to show a bit of humanity fails and turns away not making eye contact while telling parents devastating news about their only son's condition.
American Beauty (in my opinion) is a far more watchable film about malaise in modern American life. It has haunting beauty, and laugh-out-loud humour as well as its sweet and rotting sadness. Short Cuts however is difficult to assess. It is one of those films which are undoubtedly great, yet are not enjoyable to watch. Maybe 8/10 for film making quality, but only 1/10 for enjoyment.