Review of Fay Grim (2007) by Patrick P — 21 Dec 2007

The sequel to "Henry Fool," one of my favorite Hal Hartley flicks. Then again, the man can do no wrong in my eyes.

Firstly, I really like this movie... the visuals are much more involved than usual Hartley fare. He generally takes a very minimal approach, which is subtly arty, but with Faye Grim, he plays with camera angles and slow motion. He employs these devices sparingly, and they work. Problem is, none of this can reconcile with an ending that could very well lead to a third installment. I don't like this. In fact, I could've done without the revelation of Henry's past... something that now takes away from his mystique when one goes back to view "Henry Fool.".

So what's to like about this film? Parker Posey and James Urbaniak. It's fitting that Henry himself only consumes perhaps a fifth of the total screentime of the film, but Fay is interesting and compelling enough in her own right to keep the movie afloat.

Jeff Goldblum works better on paper than in actuality. His deadpan style-- one would think-- should be a perfect fit for Hartley's screenplay, but he never seems at ease. I'm not sure who's at fault in this particular matter, but all in all, this film is worth watching.

Also, it might help if you've seen "Henry Fool" beforehand.

"It's hard to tell with all the foreground debauchery.".