Review of Inherent Vice (2014) by Daniel V — 30 May 2015

Like all Paul Thomas Anderson films, I need time to digest it. A second viewing is usually in order. But I'm leaning towards liking this flick a lot. Up there with Boogie Nights as my favorite of all his films and far from my least favorite, Magnolia(Sorry folks, just don't get it) However, I have not seen since that second viewing closely following my theatrical viewing so I guess maybe I should give it another shot, especially since I have dug every movie he has made since.

But back to Vice. First, the one negative. The plot is so convoluted and confusing that it might upset some viewers and to my understanding, there have been people who have walked out. Good. This movie is not for you.

Now, for those of you with patience, it will pay off. First thing, the actual mystery is not the point of this movie. It's supposed to be convoluted, it's supposed to be confusing. That's what it would look like to a hippie stoner PI who is brilliant and is given such a small piece of the puzzle that it becomes a very slow and twisty ride for him to solve the case.

Anderson allows us to take that trip with him and for those who are open minded, the trip is just as good as any drug induced one. Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic and leads an insanely fun ensemble piece that has become a staple of a PTA film.

Anyone who loves THE BIG LEBOWSKI or Wes Anderson movies or Paul Thomas Anderson movies will love this one. I have a theory that the Cohens and the Andersons(They are not related to my knowledge) have now perfected the type of cinema they created 20 years ago with Fargo/Rushmore/Boogie Nights and soon, their films will be just as important to film classes as Shakespeare, Austen and Hemingway are to writing ones.