This film can best be likened to watching a train wreck. Phoenix is at times emotional, belligerent, cruel, wild and pitiful. If it was just all method acting I guess it would be sort of impressive but I don't think it's entirely that. I think it is sort of like Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat and Bruno movies. It seems that he is playing a fictional character but in real life. Because of this it is hard to tell what is real and what isn't. It had some interesting parts as well as some cringe inducing parts. If you like watching crazy people doing crazy shit you'll probably like this odd documentary. It definitely isn't for everyone though. In the end I think this movie was just sort of an excuse to act crazy, do drugs and fuck whores for a year without consequence. Hopefully the talented Phoenix's career will soon be back on track.
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The Standard 5:
Why is it in your queue? Voyeuristic curiosity.
Is it artsy? I don't know to be honest. The whole thing is just odd.
Best thing about the movie? Watching someone self-destruct.
What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In a mood to feel better about yourself by watching someone else act insane.
What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars.
I enjoyed watching Overnight - as much as you can "enjoy" watching someone's hubris bring them down but I've been avoiding the Phoenix movie for all the reasons you said. I don't like feeling embarrassed for other people.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely tough to watch at times. I did just add Overnight, hadn't heard of that one.
ReplyDeleteMy brother just told me this was good! Definitely added to queue.
ReplyDeleteYea give it a look, it was different to be sure.
ReplyDeleteI just watched this movie a couple of weeks ago and completely hated it. I give Casey Affleck credit for trying something experimental but I just did not care about this movie at all. The most entertaining part is watching JP (in character?) on the Late Show and I can watch that on YouTube much easier.
ReplyDeleteHey Craig,
ReplyDeleteI can't say I would disagree with you. This was a pretty hard movie to rate. If I would have been in a different mood that day I could have easily seen giving it a 1. Definitely a strange choice for the both of them.