Review of Wendy and Lucy (2008) by Edward L — 01 Feb 2009

Some directors can do this style of filmmaking. Others can't. Going off the rating I gave this film, you can tell how I feel about Kelly Reichardt's ability. The movie's fatal flaw is its inability to make me feel sympathetic towards the heroine.

First off, you know somethings wrong when all the characters are interesting, except for the lead. Secondly, there is nothing redeeming about Wendy. In the beginning she makes decisions that are misguided and sometimes even baffling, to the extent that I feel that it is her fault that she is homeless and alone.

As the film goes on, she does absolutely nothing. Rather, others do things to her. I'm sorry, but I don't just give out pity to every character that begs for it. For a better version of this film, watch 'Day Night Day Night' by Julia Loktev.