Are there truly words to describe this film? It involves an entire list of main characters. One would think that these characters, in their complexity and their faults would only confuse the viewer. And this is the exact opposite.
Be assured that Paul Thomas Anderson, no matter how crazy or eclectic the movie seems to drift toward, is always in control. He has an amazing ability to pace, to keep the movie moving while still holding that beautiful tension, such as moments before the game show begins, or the sadness of Julianne Moore holding onto her dying husband near his final moments.
In short, its one long day in the San Fernando Valley. Around the intersection of Magnolia Ave, strange things happen. People live. People die. And the frogs...well, the frogs, those you have to see for yourself.
Involving a Game Show Host (Phillip Baker Hall), his strung-out daughter (Melinda Dillon), a clumsy cop (John C. Reilly), and a teacher of seduce methods (Tom Cruise), who just so happens to be the son of a dying man (Jason Robards). Along with the dying man's crazy wife (Julianne Moore), the 1960's Quiz Kid (William H. Macy) whose life hasn't turned out the way he wanted it, and the new Quiz Kid (Jeremy Blackman) who doesn't want to be the smart one anymore. These are the stars of this film. Watch their world get torn down, built up, and torn down again.
Some movies, you say, "that would never happen" or, "that could never happen". But two things the movie wants you to understand: It did happen. And, as the book says, 'we may be through with the past, but the past ain't through with us'. These two points will haunt everyone in the film, and they will learn from what they forgot or want to forget before its over.
Some people don't like this film. I've seen it twice, and on both occasions people have walked out. There is a lot of language. There is a lot of drama, there is a lot of artistry. This is NOT Mission Impossible. This is NOT Hollywood fluff. This film goes places that others wouldn't dare. The denouement (the ending where everything wraps up) is more beautiful, not just the frogs, not just the madness, but the way that Aimee Mann's soundtrack goes along with everything. It will explain everything on levels that you can't fathom. And when you leave the theatre, you will realize what magic you just witnessed. Paul Thomas Anderson has done it. Again.
Be assured that Paul Thomas Anderson, no matter how crazy or eclectic the movie seems to drift toward, is always in control. He has an amazing ability to pace, to keep the movie moving while still holding that beautiful tension, such as moments before the game show begins, or the sadness of Julianne Moore holding onto her dying husband near his final moments.
In short, its one long day in the San Fernando Valley. Around the intersection of Magnolia Ave, strange things happen. People live. People die. And the frogs...well, the frogs, those you have to see for yourself.
Involving a Game Show Host (Phillip Baker Hall), his strung-out daughter (Melinda Dillon), a clumsy cop (John C. Reilly), and a teacher of seduce methods (Tom Cruise), who just so happens to be the son of a dying man (Jason Robards). Along with the dying man's crazy wife (Julianne Moore), the 1960's Quiz Kid (William H. Macy) whose life hasn't turned out the way he wanted it, and the new Quiz Kid (Jeremy Blackman) who doesn't want to be the smart one anymore. These are the stars of this film. Watch their world get torn down, built up, and torn down again.
Some movies, you say, "that would never happen" or, "that could never happen". But two things the movie wants you to understand: It did happen. And, as the book says, 'we may be through with the past, but the past ain't through with us'. These two points will haunt everyone in the film, and they will learn from what they forgot or want to forget before its over.
Some people don't like this film. I've seen it twice, and on both occasions people have walked out. There is a lot of language. There is a lot of drama, there is a lot of artistry. This is NOT Mission Impossible. This is NOT Hollywood fluff. This film goes places that others wouldn't dare. The denouement (the ending where everything wraps up) is more beautiful, not just the frogs, not just the madness, but the way that Aimee Mann's soundtrack goes along with everything. It will explain everything on levels that you can't fathom. And when you leave the theatre, you will realize what magic you just witnessed. Paul Thomas Anderson has done it. Again.