I wanted to see this film from the moment I saw the trailer, and therefore made the mistake of having high expectations. On the plus side, I am glad I saw this (the same cannot be said for my partner watching the film who fell asleep), as it had a lot of good things going on. The cinematography was superb, and the overall visual effect made this enjoyable to watch (camera angles, colours, imagery, long shots etc.). The 'dying girl' in question was well played and anchored the film appropriately. Some of the interplay between the characters was also quite smooth and funny with some quirky individuals present.
It is also the interplay with the characters that lets this film down in some ways. Earl is underdeveloped though interesting, and many of the characters are quirky but ridiculous in the process making the fabric of the film thin in the process. There is a very distinct lack of music and talking through much of the film, which is clearly intentional to allow the scenes to breathe and bring you in to them. It does do that but in a self conscious way, which left me with the impression that it was trying too hard to be beautiful and emotional but without quite having the freedom to work properly.
It would be fair to say this film was clever, funny, and sad. However, it was clever but slightly smug, funny but did not make me laugh, and was sad but did not make me cry.
It is also the interplay with the characters that lets this film down in some ways. Earl is underdeveloped though interesting, and many of the characters are quirky but ridiculous in the process making the fabric of the film thin in the process. There is a very distinct lack of music and talking through much of the film, which is clearly intentional to allow the scenes to breathe and bring you in to them. It does do that but in a self conscious way, which left me with the impression that it was trying too hard to be beautiful and emotional but without quite having the freedom to work properly.
It would be fair to say this film was clever, funny, and sad. However, it was clever but slightly smug, funny but did not make me laugh, and was sad but did not make me cry.