Review of Wendy and Lucy (2008) by Larissa L — 19 May 2009

Lars von trier-esque. watching someone with limited resources- financially, emotionally, perhaps intellectually- suffer. although a 'nickle-and-dimed'-like realistic political commentary on american poverty (made explicit several times) the film is existentialist and perhaps metaphorical.

maybe "wendy and lucy" are stand-ins for everyone pursuing a dream and having to sacrifice the things they love to make that dream come true. I liked it, and appreciated the craft throughout.

certainly, it's a cut above similar indie movies like 'half-nelson' and 'sherrybaby' but there was an overly lack of emotional depth to the film and the character of wendy remained so paralyzed that it was hard to relate to.

for this kind of cruel drama, lars von trier brings more craft and sophistication to his films.