BEFORE: Wrapping up a triple-play of Michael Fassbender films - the guy got a lot of work right after "Inglourious Basterds" hit. The theme of sexual psychosis carries over as well.
THE PLOT: In New York City, Brandon's carefully cultivated private life -- which allows him to indulge his sexual addiction -- is disrupted when his sister Sissy arrives unannounced for an indefinite stay.
AFTER: This is the portrait of a sex addict, but unfortunately it feels like that's ALL it is, just a portrait, with no plot points or character development. I get that it's about a man who's learned to separate the sex act from any emotional involvement, but there's got to be a way to portray that without removing the audience's emotional involvement in the character as well. If he doesn't seem to care about his own life, what chance is there of me caring?
Unless that was the point, to make the audience feel the pointlessness and hopelessness of this man's life, due to his addiction. But there's got to be a way to portray emptiness and despair without it carrying over. I was left feeling like the movie itself was quite pointless. There was not even a mention about WHY Brandon was the way he was - he and his sister alluded to some incidents in their past, but neither felt the need to elaborate on them.
This felt like what I call a "Sundance" film - a little dark, more than a little oblique, and not necessarily following the strict rules of a narrative. I bet this film did well on the festival circuit. But for once, I don't mean that as a compliment. Next up, I've got some more films that explore addiction, but let's hope that they're better movies.
Also starring Carey Mulligan (last seen in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps"), James Badge Dale.
RATING: 2 out of 10 phone messages
No comments:
Post a Comment