Review of Magnolia (1999) by Liz K — 10 May 2012
As a P.T. Anderson fan, I had to see this, but I saved it for last. IT resonates with films such as Mullholland Drive as an intricately woven masterpiece. It isn't a straight-foreward film, but one meant to be analyzed such as a novel would be.
The use of loud music overshadows dialogue, poetry and biblical references make it tough to decipher. One thing that got me right off the bat was the somewhat annoying use of loud music. It may show the distress these people's lives are in or it may mask dialogue.
The young rapper's poetry also caught me. He describes essential elements of the film. One thing I still cannot understand, nor find many references to it online is the character of "Thurston Howell".
He speaks in seemingly crazy poetic verse and William H. Macy seems to provide more clues to it. I plan to watch the film again and study it thoroughly. I dislike PTA's omission of the Worm character, which would've made the ending more similar to Boogie Nights and more serendipitous.
On a technical aspect, I feel that Julianne Moore and Tom Cruise give some career best performances. PTA's directing is always a marvel, and the screenwriting is miraculous. the sound editing I had some trouble with, albeit may have been to illustrate a certain tension or mood.
This review of Magnolia (1999) was written by Liz K on 10 May 2012.
Magnolia has generally received positive reviews.
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