A provocative, witty -- and admittedly esoteric -- experimental comedy that is serious, amusing and satisfying, in Rosenbush's words: "a Zen riddle designed more to be experienced than understood rationally."
60
Film ThreatMerle Bertrand
Film ThreatMerle Bertrand
Director Marc Rosenbush gets the absolute most he can out of his no-budget-friendly, minimalist location and a solid, if unremarkable cast.
50
San Francisco ChronicleNeva Chonin
San Francisco ChronicleNeva Chonin
The biggest mystery of all is why director Marc Rosenbush, whose background is in theater, bothered putting this story on film when it's so obviously meant for a stage.
30
L.A. Weekly
L.A. Weekly
Along the way, Zen Noir commits a few crimes of its own, against noir, Buddhism and filmmaking.
30
Chicago ReaderJ.R. Jones
Chicago ReaderJ.R. Jones
The cinematic debut of Chicago theater director Marc Rosenbush, this 2004 indie comedy is an irritating exercise in ham acting, metaphysical patter routines, and rim-shot-style comic editing.
25
Seattle Post-IntelligencerBill White
Seattle Post-IntelligencerBill White
The actors, all unprofessional with the exception of Kim Chan as the Zen master, step on each other's clipped lines so regularly that it becomes a stylistic affectation, like Mamet directing Beckett.
25
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Rosenbush strives for a difficult blend of spoof and sincerity with Zen Noir. In the spirit of rebirth, let's assume that the next time he makes it, it'll turn out fine.
11
Austin Chronicle
Austin Chronicle
Great movies can make you believe in a life beyond the frame; Zen Noir can't even convince you that what you're seeing onscreen is actually happening.