Review of Lost River (2015) by Robert B — 27 May 2015

Okay, "Lost River" is not the greatest film but it's a start. With every actor's foray into directing/screenwriting being some form of oscar bait (lookin' at you, Angelina), it's nice to know that Ryan Gosling wanted to do something off the beaten path (but maybe too far off). The style varies from Winding Refn to Cianfrance and even some Lynch. Visually, it's a wonder but the narrative is loose and often shaky, giving you the sense that Gosling is either a) unsure of what movie he wants to make or b) unable to sacrifice style for substance. Performances by Matt Smith and Ben Mendelsohn are an odd treat but the rest of the actors' performances only meander within the dark world of "Lost River," not thrive as they deserve to. Johnny Jewel's score is a high point and the sound design is top notch, but it definitely sounds much like better films that Gosling has been attached too.

Will I watch this film again? Probably not, but I am looking forward to what Gosling has in store for us next.