Review of Upstream Color (2013) by Jim H — 12 Jun 2013
After they're both kidnapped and drugged, a man and woman fall in love, but their lives seem inextricably tied to mysterious urges.
I watched Primer, and I need to watch it again because I didn't understand what the hell was happening for about fifteen minutes. This experience prepared me for the twisted and unpredictable work of Shane Carruth, who is one of the most imaginative and intelligent new filmmakers.
Upstream Color is not the confusing mind-fuck that Primer, but it has its mind-fucky elements. I haven't seen pigs deployed in the way Carruth uses them in any film not directed by David Lynch, and I would even go so far as to say that Carruth can out-Lynch Lynch. The difference is that instead of being based upon a post-modern, post-structural point, Carruth's Upstream Color is more like an interpretative dance. It's a film about feelings determining experiences. Carruth's imagery is exact and ethereal. Without a doubt, I'm looking forward to Carruth's next film because he's always interesting.
From a plot point of view, we're never should why the bad guy does what he does.
Overall, I'm a Shane Carruth fan, and this film is one of the reasons why.
This review of Upstream Color (2013) was written by Jim H on 12 Jun 2013.
Upstream Color has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
