Review of Inherent Vice (2014) by Liam C — 01 Jul 2015

Much like the film itself I really don't think there is a simple set of words to accurately sum up this film. Sure, there's a plot synopsis but much more happens than what is stated, which might make sense because some might think how can you stretch out that concept to a film that is 2 hours and 28 minutes long. It can happen, films have done it whilst sprinkling a left layers in there, but there is a much, much more going on in this film. They mention something about coherency at one point and boy if that isn't fitting.

There are many adjectives that can be applied to this film, it's bizarre, it's interesting, it's atmospheric, it's unique, and it's funny and much more. I had the feeling that the story would develop to that point in the twisty turny storyline where everything is suddenly revealed but it's unpredictable in the best sense. I think some have misunderstood the point; the pace is the way it is for a reason to represent our main character, the excellent soundtrack helps as well at fitting the high nature of the film and fitting the tone, with one scene just drifting into another and so on. This film has quite a few elements to it, it's a detective story, a stoner comedy, it has a fantastic sense of time and place and even has a little history tucked in there; it's a stylish unique film that is doing its own thing and is truly a unique experience. Hell, even the artwork for this film is awesome. Funnily enough it is truly a work of Paul Thomas Anderson, despite being an adaption.

That cast is fantastic with Joaquin Phoenix looking like Wolverine and the dialogue is excellent, it's witty, memorable and just sizzles, although I'm a bit disappointed some actors aren't in it more than they were, Witherspoon's character was going to be in it more at first but they decided against that. I thought the cast would have been up for a SAG award at least because they all do brilliant work, I thought it would have been nominated for some more Oscars as well but given the way the 2014 awards season ended up going, it isn't surprising, but hey something is better than nothing; but come on now, not even Best Adapted Screenplay?

It makes me laugh that Doc collects notes whilst high and whilst the person giving the evidence is high, what a thorough investigator! I liked that they say, 'what's up Doc' a lot; it seemed like a coincidence at first but they had to have known what they were doing. Maybe I'm looking too much but I think I noticed a Wizard of Oz reference in here when a character says to not look at a bag that is under Doc's seat, that character even looks dressed that way on purpose. I found it funny that a character, near the beginning, tells Doc he needs his hair cut but then says it's up to him what he wants to do. Why don't you just be quiet? But perhaps I'm looking too deeply into it.

I understand it's supposed to have the feel of a drug trip like I mentioned earlier but there was a point in this film at 1hr 44 minutes that dragged to an unbearable degree, I seriously contemplated skipping it and I don't remember the last time that happened; I kind of wish I did as the way that scene ended with the accompanying music made everything seem very creepy. I thought from that point on the film would slow down but as soon as that scene finished, everything picked up again; honestly, the scenes with that character after that point, which isn't many due to obvious plot reasons, really slows the film down and it ends with a scene with that character, which didn't help. Still, I loved it at first but I do think it gets a bit old after a while, I thought this would apply to the film at one point but only just for the scenes I mentioned, and I think the impact would have been more if it was shorter. But then again it is based off of a novel but as we are aware, things always get changed from the novel but seeing as how this is a standalone and very unique story and it hasn't been done before, I'd understand wanting to keep it the way it is. However, like I, and many others, have said before, just because it works in one medium doesn't mean it will work in another. I do think the narration is weird, I don't think it seemed totally necessary and at a couple of points it seemed like the narrator has turned into a character which wouldn't make sense as how could they talk about scenes they weren't there for, but maybe it was a character and I missed it, who knows in this crazy film.

It's such a unique experience and I found it lingering in my head long after I had seen it, it's a memorable film and one of a kind. It makes sense why some hate it and even I'll admit nearing the end it was a little slow but I love films like this that are just an excellent experience. 'Inherent Vice' is an excellently directed film with Paul Thomas Anderson teaming up with Joaquin Phoenix again and they both deliver; I wanted to watch this right after I saw 'The Master' again right around this film's release date, but, hey, life gets in the way.