Review of Palindromes (2005) by Joe M — 14 Mar 2008

The most obvious thing to say right off the bat is that Todd Solondz is not for everybody. His films aren't afraid to explore the most perverse topics, and for that reason they make many viewers very uncomfortable and automatically dismiss them as filth. I, however, feel sorry for those people. There's such brilliance to Todd's work that they'll never be able to grasp.

A good film makes you examine the characters and the decisions they make. A great film, however, makes you examine yourself and the life around you.

All of the Aviva's were wonderfully cast and really used brilliantly as their appearance not only related to the subject matter at the particular point in the film, but they differed so drastically that it leaves the viewer to wonder whether or not we judge the character different based on appearance alone.

A lot of people refer to Solondz as a twisted director, or even going as far as to calling him a tormented soul. I, however, would consider him a realist. Although he displays vulgarity in his view of human nature, he also shows kindness and compassion within the majority of the people in the film. Despite the extremes of each character's personality, they are very real at their core.

Cannot wait for his next project.