Review of Inherent Vice (2014) by Robert R — 05 Apr 2016

A modern stoner film in a vintage setting. Joaquin Phoenix is the absolute main-guy here as "Doc", the chronically stoned man that got some kind of shrink job or something.

There is a lot "something" for me here - everything is so unclear. Girls, bad guys, good guys, cops, traps - I never know where I have them. This is both a pro, and a major con for me.

It seems messy, but it creates some sort of paranoia and unsureness - fittingly for the bleak colors and chilled music. It's like the film is trying to get the viewer high. It's a nice try and a nice touch, but I'm left a bit bored. Great casting, acting and superb looks. An all right, still messy story that's hard to figure lower the total impression a bit. I've read something about a book that the film is based on. Supposedly it's a needed read to truly enjoy it, but who knows?

Never really funny, but I guess it's never supposed to be. It's like a romantic, slightly humorus trip in criminal settings. Strange stuff, but never anything special.

6.5 out of 10 blures.