Review of Inherent Vice (2014) by Donelson — 11 Feb 2015

A truly extraordinary movie, a time-capsule of the social war between hippies and straights in the late 60s and early 70s. The dialog is incredible, sharp and quite often hilarious. Bits of craziness thrown in emphasise the free-spirits, and the anal establishment.

The plot is incomprehensible mostly, just like living then. If you watch and remember carefully, the 80% of red-herrings eventually drift away, the avalanche of new information becomes a kind of fireworks festival of noise and colour.

Joaquin Phoenix is almost a pinball bouncing around the plot and settings. Amazing performances throughout, almost surreal.