Dismiss the fact that, in the starring role and as author of the script, Solondz comes off as a Gen-X version of Woody Allen, get past that already-been-done persona and you'll find a fun little film here. Though the film centers on Solondz' character, to his credit as scriptwriter, he endows his supporting characters with fully developed and multivaried personalities and situations. This provides opportunity for the supporting actors to turn-in some terrific performances, most especially Jill Wisoff as Ira's (Solondz') insistent girlfriend Sharon (Oscar-Nom worthy, if you ask me). Some excellent compositions in the cinematography, some of the most eccentric locations you'll find in New York, and a downright infectious end-title song ("Neat Kind of Guy") make this a sure-bet for your video-renting pleasure. Not the best film, but it'll surely not be checked out from your video store and you'll definitely enjoy a few laughs.
22 Reviews
Todd Solondz's stepchild debut -- better than you'd think
NeelyO16 October 1998
While everyone seems to be pretending that writer/director Todd Solondz made his debut with "Welcome to the Dollhouse," his first effort was actually this comic look at NYC's underground art scene. (In his defense, Solondz did not have final cut, and he was not pleased with the results, so he has at least some justifiable motivation for trying to re-write history -- this film is not listed in his bio in the "Happiness" press kit, and I suspect many critics don't know it exists.)
So, how is it? Uneven, yes, but possessed of a biting wit (nowhere near as trenchant as it would get in Solondz's later, better films). Solondz also stars in the film, cutting an unusual but nonetheless memorable figure as Ira, an unsuccessful playwright who keeps hoping that Samuel Beckett will reply to his invitation for a collaboration.
"Fear, Anxiety and Depression" isn't for everyone, but if you find the title appealing, its sense of humor may tickle you as well. The Samuel Goldwyn Company (barely) released the film in 89/90, and you can still find it on video. Warning: Solondz's bizarre and funny love song "A Neat Kind of Guy" will get stuck in your head for DECADES.
So, how is it? Uneven, yes, but possessed of a biting wit (nowhere near as trenchant as it would get in Solondz's later, better films). Solondz also stars in the film, cutting an unusual but nonetheless memorable figure as Ira, an unsuccessful playwright who keeps hoping that Samuel Beckett will reply to his invitation for a collaboration.
"Fear, Anxiety and Depression" isn't for everyone, but if you find the title appealing, its sense of humor may tickle you as well. The Samuel Goldwyn Company (barely) released the film in 89/90, and you can still find it on video. Warning: Solondz's bizarre and funny love song "A Neat Kind of Guy" will get stuck in your head for DECADES.
Wacky Weird Fun
nowego7 June 2018
The only reason I watched this movie is that I was getting ready to watch Happiness and in my research prior to watching it I looked up Todd Solondz's work and came across this.
I still haven't watched Happiness at the time of writing this review, but I have now watched this one now.
Unfortunately this has not been released on DVD and from what I have read will most likely never be if Todd Solondz has anything to say about it. My copy was a digitised VHS copy and not a very good copy at that, but happily watchable. The audio was quite good but the video quality sucked a bit. Still, it didn't stop me enjoying the movie and the music hooked me, especially the "Neat Kind of Guy" song.
Some pretty good, quirky acting from the man himself and some of the backup actors made this an enjoyable movie. Notably, the character Junk played by Jane Hamper stood out for me early on, but she grated on me later in the movie.
A very early Stanley Tucci movie with hair was another highlight for me.
Not having seen many Woody Allen movies, I can not really compare Todd Solandz to him as other reviewers have done.
Worth watching if you are a Todd Solandz fan, good luck finding a copy that is watchable.
I still haven't watched Happiness at the time of writing this review, but I have now watched this one now.
Unfortunately this has not been released on DVD and from what I have read will most likely never be if Todd Solondz has anything to say about it. My copy was a digitised VHS copy and not a very good copy at that, but happily watchable. The audio was quite good but the video quality sucked a bit. Still, it didn't stop me enjoying the movie and the music hooked me, especially the "Neat Kind of Guy" song.
Some pretty good, quirky acting from the man himself and some of the backup actors made this an enjoyable movie. Notably, the character Junk played by Jane Hamper stood out for me early on, but she grated on me later in the movie.
A very early Stanley Tucci movie with hair was another highlight for me.
Not having seen many Woody Allen movies, I can not really compare Todd Solandz to him as other reviewers have done.
Worth watching if you are a Todd Solandz fan, good luck finding a copy that is watchable.
Is a Woody Allen like film for the 90's set
l9rae28 August 2000
The lead character played by Soldonz is a cross between Woody Allen and Carrot Top, in mannerisim as well as looks. He's a loser dude with nothing coming who falls for the local performace artist chic who happens to be incredibly unavailable (big shock) The film is complex like Allen, but has the grit of all those sweet New York Greenwich art rock movies of the 80's (Liquid Sky, Mondo New York, Slaves of New York, After Hours) which I'm a real sucker for. I liked the pathetic details, and the way Soldonz doesn't gloss over the painful details. It's plain and gritty, but it works for me.
Woody Allen wannabe ....................
merklekranz16 March 2013
Tod Solondz obviously had seen at least a bunch of Woody Allen comedies before 1989 when "Fear, Anxiety, and Depression" was released. His hapless Ira mirrors any number of inept Allen characters. Even Woody's familiar theme of rejection pervades this film. Chase women and they will run, run from women and they will chase is the basic story being told. The characters, including a successful writer played with gusto by Stanley Tucci, are almost all colorful, and the acting is good. What eventually drags the film down is Solondz coming across as more of a caricature of Woody Allen rather than a unique character that could stand on it's own. - MERK
Flawed urban love triangle debut
iaido2 March 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Fear, Anxiety... is interesting in a perverse way. It's disowned by Solondz and is now sort of this bad secret in the closet, sought after by Solondz fans. Its like being a Kubrick fan and wanting to see Fear and Desire, or a Johnny Depp fan wanting to see The Brave. No matter how bad the films may be and despite the filmmaker's wishes that the film would just be forgotten, we still want to see them. Well, Solondz is fairly justified in his feelings, because Fear, Anxiety... has all the marks of a unsure first time director- continuity errors, lackluster composition, flat jokes, and Solondz's one whining, nebbish note of a performance.
And, there is the Woody Allen element as well; the film is another urbane, New York hipster, intellectual, artistic referencing, relationship comedy like Allen pretty much coined with Annie Hall, Manhattan, and so on. Solodnz's similar looks, and passive struggling artistic, romantic loser underdog character, really doesn't help detract from Allen comparisons. Even the finale of the film is almost lifted straight from Annie Hall, where Solondz's Ira, finally realizes he let the girl slip through his fingers- she is living with a more successful artist, like Keaton's, Annie shacking up with Paul Simon's Tony Lacey in LA, and Ira writes a play about his relationship woes with actors portraying himself and the girl, just like in Annie Hall. There is also the inclusion of Ira's egotistical, womanizing, best friend sidekick that might as well be Tony Roberts. Now, how much of this was the studios doing, trying to manufacture a new Allen, and how much was Solondz unintentionally/intentionally mimicking, we may never know? I chalk it up to first time director folly, having a three picture deal shoved in his face before he was really ready.
The film is worthwhile for a few curious hints. The dark humor, or finding humor in difficult subjects that Solondz so masterfully handles in Welcome to the Dollhouse and Happiness is there, such as when his girlfriend tries to commit suicide and swallows an entire bottle of pills, literally, she swallows the bottle. There is also mention of AIDS, a hanging, jumping off of bridges, vomiting performance art, and people falling into comas and so forth, and generally the film tries to find laughs in the lovelorn and unsuccessful. So, in a way, you can see hints of the brilliance Solondz would later offer, although those moments are rather few and far between. The other curious thing, is Solondz being the central character, since he is a rather guarded, private man, now. It is interesting to see him trying to act and being goofy, especially so in his musical number singing `A Neat Kind of Guy' (a song that sticks in your head long after the films over), and just being the films general focal point. Overall, it's just an odd footnote (a VERY ODD footnote) in a creative career that has vastly improved. It is an awkward film, that wouldnt be interesting at all if Solondz hadnt gone on to better things.
And, there is the Woody Allen element as well; the film is another urbane, New York hipster, intellectual, artistic referencing, relationship comedy like Allen pretty much coined with Annie Hall, Manhattan, and so on. Solodnz's similar looks, and passive struggling artistic, romantic loser underdog character, really doesn't help detract from Allen comparisons. Even the finale of the film is almost lifted straight from Annie Hall, where Solondz's Ira, finally realizes he let the girl slip through his fingers- she is living with a more successful artist, like Keaton's, Annie shacking up with Paul Simon's Tony Lacey in LA, and Ira writes a play about his relationship woes with actors portraying himself and the girl, just like in Annie Hall. There is also the inclusion of Ira's egotistical, womanizing, best friend sidekick that might as well be Tony Roberts. Now, how much of this was the studios doing, trying to manufacture a new Allen, and how much was Solondz unintentionally/intentionally mimicking, we may never know? I chalk it up to first time director folly, having a three picture deal shoved in his face before he was really ready.
The film is worthwhile for a few curious hints. The dark humor, or finding humor in difficult subjects that Solondz so masterfully handles in Welcome to the Dollhouse and Happiness is there, such as when his girlfriend tries to commit suicide and swallows an entire bottle of pills, literally, she swallows the bottle. There is also mention of AIDS, a hanging, jumping off of bridges, vomiting performance art, and people falling into comas and so forth, and generally the film tries to find laughs in the lovelorn and unsuccessful. So, in a way, you can see hints of the brilliance Solondz would later offer, although those moments are rather few and far between. The other curious thing, is Solondz being the central character, since he is a rather guarded, private man, now. It is interesting to see him trying to act and being goofy, especially so in his musical number singing `A Neat Kind of Guy' (a song that sticks in your head long after the films over), and just being the films general focal point. Overall, it's just an odd footnote (a VERY ODD footnote) in a creative career that has vastly improved. It is an awkward film, that wouldnt be interesting at all if Solondz hadnt gone on to better things.
A Pet Movie
Scott_Mercer11 December 2008
So, Todd Solondz, at least at one time, disowned this movie, because the studio edited the thing on him. That's his right as an Artist, but I would have to disagree. I feel like it is a film to be proud of. Since I stumbled across a video of this film shortly after its brief, tiny theatrical release, around 1990, it became a cult item for myself and my roommates living in L.A. trying to break into the picture biz. Todd Solondz may not have enjoyed it, but we certainly got a few yucks.
Yes, Woody Allen goes Gen-X is a nice shorthand for what you get here. Some clever situations, funny characters that are well-acted. Sharon, the most annoying stalker wannabe girlfriend ever, probably gave us the most hilarity. And the first time I ever heard the term "bridge and tunnel crowd."
I really don't think Solondz should be ashamed of this piece, unless he was trying to make a deep drama or something, and they turned it into a comedy without his knowledge. (That's snark; I don't think that was done or could even possibly be done.) Kind of hard to track down, but worth it. I must caution fans of Solondz' other work: this has a different feel to it. More Seinfeld than David Mamet. If you go into it expecting a comedy, you should spend an enjoyable 90 minutes.
Yes, Woody Allen goes Gen-X is a nice shorthand for what you get here. Some clever situations, funny characters that are well-acted. Sharon, the most annoying stalker wannabe girlfriend ever, probably gave us the most hilarity. And the first time I ever heard the term "bridge and tunnel crowd."
I really don't think Solondz should be ashamed of this piece, unless he was trying to make a deep drama or something, and they turned it into a comedy without his knowledge. (That's snark; I don't think that was done or could even possibly be done.) Kind of hard to track down, but worth it. I must caution fans of Solondz' other work: this has a different feel to it. More Seinfeld than David Mamet. If you go into it expecting a comedy, you should spend an enjoyable 90 minutes.
This movie sucks more than anything that has sucked before
imdb_zogh10 November 2006
I worked this shoot just for having my name in the credits. I had a friend that ran a video store & had him order a copy for me. When I finally saw it, I could not watch the whole show without my thumb on the 'ffw' button.
I spent days at locations. I even had to endure the nasti looks of joggers while driving on the pedestrian path of the tri-bourgh bridge.
The worst though was having to take the lead actress into the city, "because her cat was sick", then getting my ass chewed for being off site so long. "where the hell have you been", "I had to circle the block while the cat had an emergency hairball extraction", "OK, It's not your fault & I'm gunna talk to that f%^&ing diva"
When the credits came up, my name was not listed.
I think if it had, I would not have gotten work since then.
I spent days at locations. I even had to endure the nasti looks of joggers while driving on the pedestrian path of the tri-bourgh bridge.
The worst though was having to take the lead actress into the city, "because her cat was sick", then getting my ass chewed for being off site so long. "where the hell have you been", "I had to circle the block while the cat had an emergency hairball extraction", "OK, It's not your fault & I'm gunna talk to that f%^&ing diva"
When the credits came up, my name was not listed.
I think if it had, I would not have gotten work since then.
Excellent Time Capsule of the East Village/NY Late 1980's
veto77714 August 2007
Excellent movie that encapsulates the true spirit of the East Village late 1980's.
Dark/Dry downtown humor sure to rank a few wicked laughs from people who lived the life.
Example Junk: "I live downtown, if it hits it hits!" Atmospheric theme music played behind Junk in her apartment during phone call is very haunting. I wish it could be found on CD.
Fans of "Welcome To The Dollhouse" who haven't seen THIS Todd Solondz film MUST backtrack to see this film, the genesis of this brilliant director's movie career.
Dark/Dry downtown humor sure to rank a few wicked laughs from people who lived the life.
Example Junk: "I live downtown, if it hits it hits!" Atmospheric theme music played behind Junk in her apartment during phone call is very haunting. I wish it could be found on CD.
Fans of "Welcome To The Dollhouse" who haven't seen THIS Todd Solondz film MUST backtrack to see this film, the genesis of this brilliant director's movie career.
Todd Solondz is a great director, but not a great actor.
imseeg11 March 2023
I had never seen this one and I am glad I found it on YouTube of all places, but I quickly noticed this wasnt one of Todd Solondz' masterpieces....
The bad: Todd Solondz has proven to be a terrific director and storyteller of tales that never get told and filmed anywhere else. Depression, failure, anxiety and taboos dominate every movie he makes. He will never be a boxoffice hit, but he has made some outstanding, remarkable, thought provoking classics. But not this one...
Todd Solondz isnt a great actor. Not terrible, but definitely not great either. Most of the other actors in this cheaply produced movie arent great either. He really has to find his style as a director yet, which he did a few years later.
Only suited for viewing for diehard Todd Solondz fans, because the casual viewer wont be pleased watching this aspiring attempt at movie making...
The bad: Todd Solondz has proven to be a terrific director and storyteller of tales that never get told and filmed anywhere else. Depression, failure, anxiety and taboos dominate every movie he makes. He will never be a boxoffice hit, but he has made some outstanding, remarkable, thought provoking classics. But not this one...
Todd Solondz isnt a great actor. Not terrible, but definitely not great either. Most of the other actors in this cheaply produced movie arent great either. He really has to find his style as a director yet, which he did a few years later.
Only suited for viewing for diehard Todd Solondz fans, because the casual viewer wont be pleased watching this aspiring attempt at movie making...
A hilarious riot, very annoying but good
Aw-komon25 March 2000
The character of "Junk" (Jane Hamper) is one of the funniest and original female characters ever written. She's like a younger, nihilistic, rock'n'roll version of certain characters from Woody Allen's films yet unlike any of them. She's the mythical anarchist/artist in the guise of a beautiful girl that male artsy types dream of as their muse. Except, they forget that she's also a woman first. The few scenes featuring "Junk" are absolutely classic, as good as any in Polanski's "Cul-de-Sac." Oddly enough, "Junk" is also reminiscent of the Elizabeth Hartman/"Barbara Darling" character in Coppola's 1966 debut "You're a Big Boy Now," which also features a girl infatuated with a guy who is infatuated with a weird, artsy "dream girl," who takes him for a ride. The scene where Sylvia, dressed in red is singing that ridiculous show tune in that absurdly cute style is another minor female comedy gem. There are very few strong, funny characters for women to play these days (Jennifer Jason Leigh in "Hudsucker Proxy" was a throwback to the Screwball Comedies of the 1930s, of course). So, even though this is an uneven first effort, it is unmistakably the work of an original comedic mind, an auteur whose films can be recogized in under 2 minutes. Fear, Anxiety & Depression is the real deal in rough form. Much of the annoying stuff is very much intended to be so and is part of a style that was forming itself into what became "Dollhouse" and "Happiness."
Off-Beat is Good
Mae_Will1 November 1998
I presume the schlockiness is intentional. It is very well-executed schlockiness. The archetypes are conventionally but very truthfully drawn: clinging desperate girlfriend, dangerous girlfriend, "best friend's girl" girlfriend, the commercially successful classmate from your old high school, the using "best friend".
The style of the movie is bizarre. The New York pictures are well-chosen for the flavor of the movie. The music often clashes with the action or the visual dynamic in a way that seems deliberate. It doesn't result in the Knowing Guffaw, or the Delighted Titter, but it just seems to lay the scene out stiff, like the way you feel when you're out for dinner with your parents at a place you now know is beneath you and your aspirations (a scenario which recurs at comforting intervals during the picture) -- this is a fine depiction of "spinning your wheels" during your inept and misguided 20s. I don't know a lot about this writer/director and his work (I live in a cinematically-challenged area) but if he meant it the way it came out, he's really reaching me.
There are "musical interludes" so artfully awkward. The "Ay-yi-yi-ra" song is a special treat. The movie is cloyingly awkward, but the result is so off-beat, so "am I really seeing this?" that I couldn't stop watching. I would really like everyone I know to see the "performance artist girlfriend" 'cause I'm amazed at her make-up technique, and her hair-doos.
Too bad the credits for this movie on this site are so sparse.
The style of the movie is bizarre. The New York pictures are well-chosen for the flavor of the movie. The music often clashes with the action or the visual dynamic in a way that seems deliberate. It doesn't result in the Knowing Guffaw, or the Delighted Titter, but it just seems to lay the scene out stiff, like the way you feel when you're out for dinner with your parents at a place you now know is beneath you and your aspirations (a scenario which recurs at comforting intervals during the picture) -- this is a fine depiction of "spinning your wheels" during your inept and misguided 20s. I don't know a lot about this writer/director and his work (I live in a cinematically-challenged area) but if he meant it the way it came out, he's really reaching me.
There are "musical interludes" so artfully awkward. The "Ay-yi-yi-ra" song is a special treat. The movie is cloyingly awkward, but the result is so off-beat, so "am I really seeing this?" that I couldn't stop watching. I would really like everyone I know to see the "performance artist girlfriend" 'cause I'm amazed at her make-up technique, and her hair-doos.
Too bad the credits for this movie on this site are so sparse.
A endearingly funny debut
courier9912 September 2000
Admirers of Todd Solandz's "Welcome to the Dollhouse" and "Happiness" will be relieved to know that his little-known first feature may not be quite as accomplished or original, but it's very funny, touching, and eminently rewatchable, and it has the special bonus of starring the auteur himself as a lovelorn Beckett-obsessed fledgling playwright (and all-round schnook). Solandz's voice and appearance are pretty extreme -- he's virtually a cartoon in this film, half young Woody Allen, half Bozo the clown -- but his comic timing is impeccable. As his sometime girlfriend, Jill Wisoff is also a marvellously versatile physical comedienne who can look homely and ungainly at times, mysteriously beautiful at others. The music is catchy, esp two tunes written for the film, one sung by Solandz, one by Wisoff. The film also offers an unusually realistic look at downtown New York (and makes use, somewhat less interestingly, of the downtown art scene). I'd put this, without hesitation, on the shelf right beside "Dollhouse" and "Happiness."
Cheesy but funny
fac215 April 1999
Though I agree that this film is not in the same league as Solondz's next two films, "Welcome to the Dollhouse" and "Happiness," this film was still a lot of fun to watch. There are some big laughs throughout the film, like the character Junk and the original songs they wrote. I believe it's supposed to be tongue-in-cheek cheesiness, especially when Solondz himself belts through cheesy love songs and has himself looking and acting like Woody Allen.
Solondz is obviously a talented writer, and while probably only hardcore fans of Solondz will check this film out, I think anyone ready for some good cheesy fun will like this film.
Solondz is obviously a talented writer, and while probably only hardcore fans of Solondz will check this film out, I think anyone ready for some good cheesy fun will like this film.
Exploration of the boundaries of honesty/truth
gorgeaway4 November 2003
This is Todd Solondz' first big movie before he did `Welcome to the Dollhouse.' There are definitely some scenes, where I'm laughing when I know I shouldn't be, that remind me of `Happiness,' and `Welcome to the Dollhouse.' Other scenes are so much like Woody Allen's `Annie Hall,' it is unmistakable. The main character, Ira, is played by Todd Solondz himself. He's a fearful, nervous playwright hoping to make some real art. Looking for advice, he asks friends to read his play. Not that it would be a bad idea, you know, getting a little input from friends to help along the process, but these are the wrong people to be trusting with that type of decision. Ira is afraid of being considered a bad writer, and his friends are afraid of being honest with him. Jack's character is a great example of a guy who uses words to take the easy way out, pretending his life isn't what it really is.a lie! He sums up his success saying an art critic, Sheila, thinks he is the next Matisse. It turns out that Sheila, played by Anne De Salvo, is one of my favourite characters. When she comes over to check out Jack's art, she says, `I hate to have to be honest with you, but your art is so cliché.' He just wants to be in the Whitney Bi-Annual so he sleeps with her to try and gain her help in being chosen. But even that doesn't work! It made me laugh so hard. Jack is such a loser. Stanley Tucci plays a great, funny role as Donnie. He's always got a different woman with him, and brags about his money when he is around Ira. He's that kind of guy from high school that always succeeds, who has everything, when you know he's not a cool guy and he doesn't deserve it. There are many hints of Solondz' later movies in `Fear, Anxiety and Depression.' It's a funny movie that I would definitely watch again. Some people think it is too similar to a Woody Allen movie to be taken seriously. I think it's awesome because it is close to being an Allen movie, but it is much more honest and dark than Allen ever achieved on film. There are some great explorations of the boundaries of honesty. How sometimes people lie, or withhold information, to make others feel good about themselves, or to take advantage of others. On some level, it probably comes across as another love story comedy, but the script is very thoughtful and intellectual, more than any typical movie.
dark, self-effacing, and thoroughly enjoyable
eeegah16 June 2005
Solondz first feature-length pic is one to seek out. A funny and brutal thrashing of the business of art. Solondz plays an aspiring playwright who struggles with the inner-workings of the social structure he finds himself apart of. This is ultimately the underlying theme. How each individual sees him/her self in the eyes of others, how they see themselves or how they want to be perceived. Ira, Solondz character seeks out "Junk" the crazed performance artist in hopes to not only score with her, but to elevate his status.
Solondz will go on to make more films to more acclaim, and that are even darker and have a real extreme contempt for humanity. Although Fear, Anxiety and Depression, has that dark tone, Solondz juxtaposes some lighter moments to help balance out the overall mood.
If you can get past Ira's nasally whine and Woody Allenesque antics, and enjoy satire, especially at the expense of the pretentious art world, then this should be on your must see list.
Solondz will go on to make more films to more acclaim, and that are even darker and have a real extreme contempt for humanity. Although Fear, Anxiety and Depression, has that dark tone, Solondz juxtaposes some lighter moments to help balance out the overall mood.
If you can get past Ira's nasally whine and Woody Allenesque antics, and enjoy satire, especially at the expense of the pretentious art world, then this should be on your must see list.
Completely not giving credit where it is due. This film is a gem and one of my favorites
jacquelinedeniston18 October 2020
I hate the fact that it's not streamed or on a DVD. My VHS is in okay condition, but I am scared to lose this film. It is so hard to find that, right now you can buy only one VHS for $200. It took me 13 years and $43.00 to get mine. I want to screen this film in my city. I need help. If anyone has any suggestions or leads, I would appreciate that. And thank you Todd Solondz for making such a great, underrated piece.
one of these things is not like the others
MicheleH12 October 1998
I am a big fan of both WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE and HAPPINESS, and didn't even know this movie existed until it was shown recently on the "Romance Classics" cable channel, of all places. (The only "star" acknowledged in the channel listing was Stanley Tucci, who does have a small supporting role.) This film tries too hard to be a wacky look at love for a loser (played by Solondz), and I found its wackiness to be both forced and intrusive. While it does contain some of the elements that are used so much more effectively in his later two films, such as an unblinking look at the ugliness in life, and strange songs with lyrics penned by Solondz, this film is not in the same league as either. It doesn't help that intentionally or otherwise, Solondz comes off as a annoying version of Woody Allen. Recommended for Solondz (or Tucci) completists only.
He almost had it right the first time
jdollak19 September 2004
I've only seen this movie twice, and I remember parts of the story, and the way that it was told. Yes, it is a good movie - but not as good as it should be. The script is good, but it needs some work. I think if the film were re-edited, it might change the entire thing, and make the movie more likable on a large scale (or at least as large a scale as his other movies have had). If you are considering this, go watch Welcome to the Dollhouse...then Storytelling or Happiness, or both. Then watch this. If you take this as an introduction to his work, you'll really have no idea how much better it can be.
Spokesman for the Socially Oppressed
Martin-25914 November 2002
In our present era, where love is a greedy algorithm (those who already have the most are the only ones who ever get more), Solondz is the best spokesman for the socially oppressed. His movies consistently make me laugh, unlike the usual "popular" Hollywood drivel. I can only hope that he doesn't sell out at least in the near future, as I'm convinced he's the next big thing. (I'm thinking what happened to Susan Seidelman and Amy Heckerling.) I noticed the little things in FAD: camera shots like something out of Godard, artistic spoofs of Magritte, Junk's Frankenstein's bride hair, Janis wearing a cheerleader jacket and eating ice cream, and the blinds that say "Always" and "Late". There is an attention to details overwhelming the flaws and showing the talent. The reality of winning and losing at love may not be changed by Solondz in our era. But he will show us its truth, and that can at least bring us hope.
Is a Woody Allen like film for the 90's set
l9rae28 August 2000
The lead character played by Soldonz is a cross between Woody Allen and Carrot Top, in mannerisim as well as looks. He's a loser dude with nothing coming who falls for the local performance artist chic who happens to be incredibly unavailable (big shock) The film is complex like Allen, but has the grit of all those sweet New York Greenwich art rock movies of the 80's (Liquid Sky, Mondo New York, Slaves of New York, After Hours) which I'm a real sucker for. I liked the pathetic details, and the way Soldonz doesn't gloss over the painful details. It's plain and gritty, but it works for me.
you got to be kidding me!
Chris-36419 May 1999
beware! ignore all prior comments! there are usually reasons you haven't seen some movies! this is one of them. its a pretentious, annoying, silly movie. understood most prior comments remarked on the silliness as a plus... i would agree if it were done well. there have been films that can accomplish such feats without making me gag. its not a necessarliy difficult thing to do (note: necessary roughness). the songs are cute... but stupid... intruding. overused... take the hint. it has the whole "art" scene in effect and the hip new york shots. those favorite "you know ive been there cause i'm cool" shots. the mise en scene is often painfully trite! it leaves me hungering for other Gen X romantic comedies like singles and reality bites. his themes are overly simplistic, like ugliness, etc. rest assured, most comments are coming from those people who are sycophantically obsessed (post Pulp Fiction side effect) with "indie" movies. (above: indie movies win oscars... how indie!) it's the same reasoning behind the popularity of the opposite of sex... another radically mediocre film which was praised for who knows what reasons! i want real woody allen and real annie hall. this movie is sad. i feel sorry for people who think it's good.
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