As with any film, we bring to it as much as we take away, so I'm guessing this is why I thought Friends with Kids was a beautifully written and executed tale of modern love, friendship and family, whereas many people (it seems), thought otherwise. To set the scene of my particular disposition, I'm in my late 30's, female, I don't want children, have many friends with them and see only stress and unhappiness when I'm around them. So the opening 45 minutes was pretty must grist to my particular mill. And then, three lovely moments were subtly conveyed in the remainder of the film, there were no fanfares, or big shiny signposts, which made it all the better. I'm not going to say what they are, dare you to find them for yourselves. All I can say is, for me, the film got love just right and actually made me slightly (very very slightly) broody. This is the kind of film which I think is rarely done well, and whilst there's always room for Sci-fi, thriller and horror (in my world at least), a well observed, funny and moving commentary on the human state that you can relate to is what I think filmmakers should be most proud to do. It makes you think, it makes you feel part of something more.
Reviews
2 Reviews
Elephant
(2003)
Feeling empty
18 July 2004
Shot very much in a minimalist docu-film style and with an tangible sense of uneasiness as if the calm before the storm, I had high hopes for Elephant as it started. The viewer is cleverly taken through the school following in the footsteps of several pupils who are introduced by names flashing up on the screen. The way the film traces the same period of time more than once from several different perspectives was also very innovative. Yeah, if I was a Vulcan the film would have great appeal
I think I may have missed the point somewhere along the line. Maybe I wasn't being intellectual enough while watching it....or maybe it's because I prefer watching films that are either enjoyable escapism or make me laugh/cry/angry/think/wonder/homicidal........well, feel something! even if it's the urge to pick my nose.
I didn't like Elephant, for all it's arty direction and skillful manipulation of atmosphere. It was completely devoid of any emotion and I was left wondering why on earth I had just wasted 2 hours of my life watching it.
As a study on how to make a technically and artistically challenging film it's great. If you're looking for a film that offers answers or any emotional satisfaction, don't bother.
I wonder whether Van Sant hasn't achieved exactly what was wanted as after the film finished I felt empty and wondered what the point of it all was....... pretty much like your average day at school
I think I may have missed the point somewhere along the line. Maybe I wasn't being intellectual enough while watching it....or maybe it's because I prefer watching films that are either enjoyable escapism or make me laugh/cry/angry/think/wonder/homicidal........well, feel something! even if it's the urge to pick my nose.
I didn't like Elephant, for all it's arty direction and skillful manipulation of atmosphere. It was completely devoid of any emotion and I was left wondering why on earth I had just wasted 2 hours of my life watching it.
As a study on how to make a technically and artistically challenging film it's great. If you're looking for a film that offers answers or any emotional satisfaction, don't bother.
I wonder whether Van Sant hasn't achieved exactly what was wanted as after the film finished I felt empty and wondered what the point of it all was....... pretty much like your average day at school
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