Review of Magnolia (1999) by Harpreet S — 20 Aug 2012

Paul Thomas Anderson's "Magnolia" is a perfect example of what could have been. The concept of interrelated characters reminded me of Inarritu's death trilogy, all three films are substantially superior, in my opinion.

"Magnolia" is three hours long, which wasn't necessary. The last hour could have easily been cut off. What bothered me most about it is how much potential it had, and how quickly it changed into something to loathe for.

There is a scene involving a highly intelligent boy named Stanley on a game show, right at the scene where he rebels against how he is treated because of his knowledge is where the film begins to fall.

From there on, instead being a refreshing venture, Anderson's "Magnolia" becomes increasingly melodramatic and predictable. I won't go through all of the characters, but I will say there are mishaps in the writing where three different characters confess to a fellow loved one or caretaker that they have cheated on their spouse.

Was this intentional or just poor writing? I found it repetitive; it was almost like I was seeing the same scene again. Sure, the film is about coincidences, it still did not work. I was very impressed with Tom Cruise's performance after his not so good showing in "Minority Report," except for one sequence where he tries to cry, instead starts shaking; I found it unintentionally funny.

Julian Moore as Linda, the woman who married Tom Cruise (Mackey)'s father for money is good in the beginning; however she gradually starts to overact, which becomes ridiculous. Two performances I really admired were of John C.

Reilly (a cop) and William H. Man, a former champion of the kids game show, who now is looking for love and decides he wants to get braces to impress the person he as a crush on, who has braces. Anderson does not supply with a base for his characters and their relationships.

For example: Moore's character Linda now realizes she loves Earl Partridge (father of Cruise's Mackey), while he is on his death bed. I felt that her admitting and realizing was not even developed, it was highly unconvincing.

Same for Reilly (cop)'s relationship with Claudia, a drug addict. The performances along with the writing and editing are to blame; I see it as an unpolished work. There is a larger amount of pretentious lecturing and less of authenticity.

The frog gimmick could not have saved what was already a demoralizing film. The first hour and half, maybe more is terrific. Plus, I found it to be very funny and entertaining, too bad it didn't last.

"There Will Be Blood," the only other I've seen of Anderson is great.