Review of Palindromes (2005) by Meeza (Lobsterman) — 17 May 2008
The word Palindrome is defined as a word, verse, or sentence as (Able was I ere I saw Alba) or a number (as 1881) that reads the same backward or forward. Daring filmmaker Todd Solondz' "Palindromes" is defined as a scene, sequence, or film as (This is strange film about a film strange a is this).
OK, so I am not an expert palindromer (Is there such a thing?) However, you can turn around and tell everyone that this will be the quirkiest film that you will witness in 2005. Solondz is no "stranger danger" director, this emaciated auteur has tackled such themes as pedophilia, masturbation, bullying, deprivation, and incest.
OK, so we can "palindromalistically" say that "He is a sadistic weirdo, weirdo sadistic a is he". However, the man is also brainy and painstaking. "Palindromes" revolves around a female character named Aviva (a palindrome itself) played by three completely different physically-looking actresses and one actor.
Each Aviva has their certain characteristics: the teenager fem Aviva should be the poster child of anti-abortion, the black Aviva should be the poster child of identity theft, the grown woman Aviva should be the poster child of a silver spooned upbringing.
OK, so one could say that they are "Living The Aviva Loca". I do commend Solondz for his oddness. However, for this film Solondz did not constitute an even message to convey to his audience as he had done in his earlier eccentric works.
What kept me hanging to "Palindrome" was the astounding performance of Ellen Barkin as one of the Aviva moms who desperately tries to persuade her Aviva to have an abortion. Barkin did not choke with her effort here! (Sorry Ellen! Just playing! I am glad you are well.
Most recently, Barkin almost choked at a Los Angeles Restaurant before being rescued by a nearby patron by performing the Heimlick Maneuver on her.) "Palindrome" is also a benefactor of some impressive supporting performances by fresh actors.
Film is mediocre, or to be palindromally correct: mediocre is film. *** Average.
This review of Palindromes (2005) was written by Meeza (Lobsterman) on 17 May 2008.
Palindromes has generally received positive reviews.
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