Review of Southland Tales (2007) by Paul N — 16 Jan 2009
Wow. Richard Kelly has followed DONNIE DARKO with a clusterfuck so full-blown and spectacular it has to be seen to be believed. Better yet, don't. I've seen it for you, and I wouldn't recommend following suit.
Doesn't lack ambition or ideas, but absolutely lacks the focus to communicate them in any thorough or meaningful fashion. I really wanted to get on board this picture and dig its delirious trip, but it's so formless, inconsistent and incoherent that it's nigh-impossible to warm to.
What's more, Kelly's filmmaking technique swings from thrilling to amateurish, sometimes within the same scene. One thing for Kelly, though: the man knows how to program a soundtrack; anyone who uses songs from Muse and The Killers is okay by me.
The actors are game, giving reasonably good performances considering what they're up against... but ultimately it seems like everybody's showing off in oddball cameos rather than playing roles.
Not like any other film ever made... which may be a good thing.
This review of Southland Tales (2007) was written by Paul N on 16 Jan 2009.
Southland Tales has generally received mixed reviews.
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