This is the third movie in a row that Gus Van Sant has directed in a style that is guaranteed to test the patience of many. The first two were Gerry and Elephant. All three movies feature very long takes in which nothing (in the conventional movie narrative sense) happens (also, all three happen to center around death). But if you allow yourself to get used to the unconventional approach, it yields rewards, the main one being that these films are very effective at putting you in their respective moment. The first two had stronger tools to pull you in, though. Gerry had its stunningly visualized existential terrain, and Elephant, a tangible mood of doom.
Here, though, we have the last days in the life of rock star Blake, based on Kurt Cobain, who committed suicide. Blake spends the film's 97 minutes mumbling, ambling, avoiding people, making Kraft Dinner, and sometimes playing music. If you've ever been depressed, it will help you appreciate the movie, which does an excellent job of dramatizing the disease... without drama. I have to admit I was bored at times. But one scene in particular roused me, at the halfway point - Blake playing music using several instruments. We watch this in a very slow reverse tracking shot, from outside, through the window. As we keep drawing farther back, Blake's music becomes noisier and less significant at the same time. It's a neat visual metaphor for the disparity between what goes on in our heads and the way people perceive us.
I'm glad I saw this movie, but I'd only recommend it to very patient, open-minded viewers.
Here, though, we have the last days in the life of rock star Blake, based on Kurt Cobain, who committed suicide. Blake spends the film's 97 minutes mumbling, ambling, avoiding people, making Kraft Dinner, and sometimes playing music. If you've ever been depressed, it will help you appreciate the movie, which does an excellent job of dramatizing the disease... without drama. I have to admit I was bored at times. But one scene in particular roused me, at the halfway point - Blake playing music using several instruments. We watch this in a very slow reverse tracking shot, from outside, through the window. As we keep drawing farther back, Blake's music becomes noisier and less significant at the same time. It's a neat visual metaphor for the disparity between what goes on in our heads and the way people perceive us.
I'm glad I saw this movie, but I'd only recommend it to very patient, open-minded viewers.