It's been 16 days and I haven't taken into consideration just how exhausting this experiment would be. Luckily, I have a Gus Van Sant film to review today. It could be worse.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, River Phoenix, Udo Kier
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
A modern recreation of Shakespeare's 'Henry IV' told with gay, street-smart hustlers.
The Positives:
- Gus Van Sant is an excellent director, and his use of breaking the proscenium arch recalls theatrical plays and delivers both amusement and exposition.
- The gritty tone of the movie is nicely contrasted without the colorful title screen and setting markers.
- Huzzahs all around. Keanu Reeves is actually showing some emotion!
- River Phoenix also shines as Mike, whose narcolepsy is used both tragically and comedically, something I feel perfectly juxtaposes the entire film.
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
A modern recreation of Shakespeare's 'Henry IV' told with gay, street-smart hustlers.
The Positives:
- Gus Van Sant is an excellent director, and his use of breaking the proscenium arch recalls theatrical plays and delivers both amusement and exposition.
- The gritty tone of the movie is nicely contrasted without the colorful title screen and setting markers.
- Huzzahs all around. Keanu Reeves is actually showing some emotion!
- River Phoenix also shines as Mike, whose narcolepsy is used both tragically and comedically, something I feel perfectly juxtaposes the entire film.
- A 'Simpsons' cameo! (The first 'Treehouse of Horror' episode too.)
- The long, wide shots of various scenery has kind of become a staple of Independent cinema, and while I'm sure this fin wasn't the first to feature it, it's put to good use here.
- Twangy covers of a more classical score occupies the background flawlessly when needed.
- Showing a key sex scene via only still frames actually seemed more romantic than if the actual movement were shown.
- The long, wide shots of various scenery has kind of become a staple of Independent cinema, and while I'm sure this fin wasn't the first to feature it, it's put to good use here.
- Twangy covers of a more classical score occupies the background flawlessly when needed.
- Showing a key sex scene via only still frames actually seemed more romantic than if the actual movement were shown.
- The old street bum in a thriller jacket made me laugh. Hard.
The Negatives:
- Sometimes the acting is a bit much, especially in scenes that have roots in 'Henry IV'.
- The Shakespearean dialogue is toned down at times, and that's when I think the performances really shine. It also makes the scenes where the dialogue is heavily Shakespearean stand out for the worst.
The Negatives:
- Sometimes the acting is a bit much, especially in scenes that have roots in 'Henry IV'.
- The Shakespearean dialogue is toned down at times, and that's when I think the performances really shine. It also makes the scenes where the dialogue is heavily Shakespearean stand out for the worst.
- I felt much more invested in the characters than the journey they were on.
Grade: C+
While the uneven tones of 'Henry IV' plague the film at times, the performances of Phoenix and Reeves more than make up for it. Van Sants wonderful direction only helps.
Grade: C+
While the uneven tones of 'Henry IV' plague the film at times, the performances of Phoenix and Reeves more than make up for it. Van Sants wonderful direction only helps.
