Review of Hard Eight (1997) by David D — 03 Dec 2009
Paul Thomas Anderson's debut feature film is an exercise in tone and it is pitch-perfect in that sense. Anderson's feel for dialogue--which will grow in the films he makes after this--is alread off to a fantastic start. Ive always thought that the best part of a PT Anderson film was the dialogue. He really has a knack for creating conversation and personality--not unlike a Quentin Tarantino. But unlike Tarantino, Anderson's dialogue always, always moves the plot along. This is not a swipe at Tarantino--I'm a big fan--I'm just pointing out a difference.
The performances here are top-notch, especially that of Phillip Baker Hall and Gwenyth Paltrow (playing against type). What is most interesting about this film--which maybe it's only fault as well--is Anderson's patience with the film. He takes so much time setting up the characters and giving them development, that it is only until about half-way that a plot emerges. Now this may not be a problem to those who are Anderson fan's (such as myself) who drool at the way he immaculately constructs scenes, but to others I can see how this may get a bit irritating.
Regaurdless, this is a great debut that foreshadows the promise of a director who would become a master of his craft.
This review of Hard Eight (1997) was written by David D on 03 Dec 2009.
Hard Eight has generally received positive reviews.
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