Review of Wendy and Lucy (2008) by Benjamin F — 22 Aug 2010

Wendy and Lucy's one of those indie movies that come along every so often that manage to stay completely off my radar. I hadn't even heard of this one until a few days ago, thanks to a preowned DVD bargain bin. Wendy and Lucy's a film that won't appeal to most, given its realistic, unglamorous, minimalist approach to everything that removes pretty much all barriers between the viewer and reality of the film, but for those with patience, it's a rich, rewarding experience.

Spare both visually and in terms of plot, the film is largely about Michelle Williams' core performance as Wendy. As viewers, we're always kept at a distance from her, just as she keeps the rest of the world at arm's length. Despite knowing so little about her as a person for the duration of the film, we can't help but sympathize with the strong willed young woman, though, as she strives to get out of increasingly desperate circumstances, alone in her own world with her dog, Lucy. She's trapped in a special kind of hell, stuck in a small Oregonian town with virtually no job opportunities, extremely limited cashflow, and mounting expenses that threaten to leave her homeless and alone, as destitute as her surroundings. An elderly security guard (Played well by Walter Dalton) reaches out and attempts to help her, while most others hold either no sympathy for her or simply pay her no real mind at all. At heart, Wendy and Lucy is a story of America's most impoverished, battered, and broken down just trying to survive - both in the character of Wendy and the setting of the film. Minimalist as the plot is - realistically portraying the drama as the unfolding life it is, as opposed to turning to melodrama as most filmmakers might - it's an important and relevant story to tell in today's America, and the realism grants the film an authenticity that exaggerated melodrama would completely drain.

There's no real music in the film at all. Only the occasional haunting humming from Wendy, and otherwise a lot of ambient noise, which further serves to draw you into the film's world of urban and suburban decay. The autumnal cinematography is understated and gorgeous, with numerous shots and camera angles showcasing some incredible scenery without ever being sweeping or dramatic.

Wendy and Lucy is short, but feels very full despite its 80 minute running time, and even despite its minimalist plot. In that regard, it reminds a little of Lost in Translation, being a film where "nothing happens." Except unlike Lost in Translation, there's only one major character, and even she remains largely a mystery to the viewer. There's barely any dialogue, and those without patience will undoubtedly find this film a miserable, tedious experience. But for those who can get into the movie and really get what it's about, it's simply quietly devastating. Excellent filmmaking on a shoestring budget.