Review of Suburbia (1984) by Maxwell S — 07 Sep 2012

Honestly, I connect with Linklater a lot, but I don't let that get in the way of what I believe makes a well-constructed/great film. Nor (with this film) do I let the fact that I am obsessed with Sonic Youth get in the way of that anyway, so obviously I'm going to like this film, just going into it.

But, this film is actually quite well-made, seeing that everything they do, and everything that they are, makes perfect sense. But, each character stands their own view of reality, even if it contradicts another.

It's very dark, very humorous, and perfectly disturbed. In the last 10 minutes, when the sun came up, it all washed over me on how intense and painful that whole night was. Kind of like "A Clockwork Orange" when Alex falls out of the window in slow motion, it was that intense moment of realization, that only a truly great film can pull off.

Linklater has the style that defined a lot of films that came out in the 90's, but he was beyond that, while expressing his love for his hometown, and making all the points that he needs to. This isn't a masterpiece, but an idiot sure could never do this.

A great film, no more, no less. 7.5/10.