Review of Daydream Nation (2011) by Mike C — 01 Jan 2012

An interesting flick. I don't like some of it, I like some of it, and I expect to find nothing but hatred online and it turns out people like it. Again, the mark of a good movie to be loved and hated. I am not sure it was as advertised, also good, but what exactly was it?

Kat Dennings plays a big city girl who moves to a small town, presumably in her senior year of high school. Out of boredom mostly, she begins an affair with a teacher played by Josh Lucas. They agree she would have a regular relationship, which she begins with a stoner kid. Yadda yadda, there is a serial killer, there is some family dysfunction, and just a whole hell of a messy plot. Somehow, it kinda works, but it also leaves a lot of loose ends. Some think that is brilliant. I just think it's bad storytelling and laziness. Maybe.

Getting into some spoilers, I think the film revolves around Lucas more than Dennings. He's the teacher I thought I would like, but he reveals himself to be of questionable character. Not only that, his little novel seems to be quite autobiographical. And does it not mention being a serial killer? As all the things in the novel seem to play out accurately, an observing viewer might begin to think he is the killer. Oh but wait, at the end the so-called killer is killed in an accident? I just don't buy it based on other things in the movie. So part of me is pissed that few have picked up on this for discussion, and part of me thinks it brilliant that they might write the story this way: that it seems to be conveniently wrapped up when in reality something far, far different actually happened. I suppose this is why people compare it to some weird movies.

Finally, the best depiction is of a girl with a fairly minor role. At one point she calls Dennings a slut and then is blasted by Dennings' superior wit. Later, she tries to get with the guy Dennings is dating and does so via a Christmas party at her house. How many girls have I known like this? Willing to abandon every principle to be accepted (and by what?)? And the little asshole kids totally trash her house. It's just really mean and pathetic and I hated watching that bit, but that was as close to honest that I saw in the little moviefilm.