Hey folks, Harry here... After reading this script, talking with Roger Avary about the film... frankly... I've known that this was going to frankly be one of the great films of 2002. Folks... prepare to be eye-fucked by this flick... It sounds like he got the script on screen and folks... that would be amazing. Rumor has it that the film will be making a run at a certain French film festival... hold on to your knickers (hey, I'm in London must use the lingo mate!) Here's two exhilirating reviews....
Just got back from a test screening of Rules of Attraction. I hope they don't touch a frame. I will keep this review spoiler free.
The story is faithful to the book for the most part (updated to present time rather than the 80's) basically documenting one semester in three college students lives. It's the type of film that doesn't have one major event that the plot is based off of, but rather just sort of follows them and their interactions. Without a hollywood narrative to propel the story, the film is completely compelling all the way through. It feels more like a book than a movie, and probably will be stuck with me for days.
The performances are amazing. I was very disappointed that James Van DerBeek's segment from the film "Storytelling" was cut because I wanted to see if he was capable of being in a supposedly dark movie. He is. He is excellent, and does serious Oscar caliber work here. There's a lot going on under the surface, in his life filled with empty sex, drugs, and booze, and the way he externalizes his anger is handled SO WELL. This is dark dark dark material- and he handles it with complete conviction. Dawson no longer.
Another thing about this film is that it is ruthless. It does not pussy out as I thought American Psycho did. There's tons of drug use, tons of sex and nudity (full frontal both male and female), the language would make Eddie Murphy cringe, and I hope to God they don't try to make this an R. One of the film's themes is excess, and by trimming this down (not that I can see how they could possibly do that) it would be completely lost. From the opening minute of the film, you know this is no slice of American Pie, and if this does well (I hope it does) maybe we'll see a change from all that mindless, tiresome dreck clogging up the multiplexes.
I commend Roger Avery for having the balls to make a film this harsh. Not only that, he adapts the story well, following the tangents that Easton Ellis wrote, that makes a perfectly uneven movie. The film begins and ends midsentence, just as the book does.
I also commend James Van DerBeek for being in it (boy are his fans of Varsity Blues going to be in for a surprise). Fans of Pulp Fiction looking for that "funny random violence" brand will enjoy themselves here- even though the film trancends that. I think a lot of college kids who see this film will realize just how empty an existence they live, and I think a lot of parents will be in for a shock to see what their kids are doing.
That is, if they don't change much of the film.
One funny note- the effects shots towards the beginning of the film weren't done, so they hand-drew what was supposed to happen. I hope they show that on the DVD. Also, Roger Avery was there in person, carrying around a mini-DV camera-- will be interested to see if any of that footage ends up on the disc eventually too.
So, I wish them luck with this film. It's a complex film, probably be hard to cut a trailer to it or make a poster. But I can't wait to see it again when it comes out.
Already my vote for best film of 2002.
MOKO
ps. There's a crazy celebrity cameo in the film.
Here's a hint: I never thought I'd see Winnie's
boyfriend shooting up in his underwear.
Now here's another masturbatory revelation of this flick... damn MUST SEE MOVIE NOW!!!!
Harry,
I'd make the same-old "longtime reader, first-time collaborator," joke, but I want to get right to the point of this E-mail: "Rules of Attraction."
To put it simply: It's great. Better than great. In a word: Intense. One of the most intense films I've seen in a LONG time.
I viewed it at a test screening about two hours ago and haven't even begun to shake the film's powerful high. I've been reading this site for five years, and this is the first time I've felt compelled to communicate with you about a movie.
Let the truth be told that I'm not the biggest "Killing Zoe" fan, but Mr. Roger Avary: You wowed me. You fucking did it. I'm a huge fan of the novel, and have wanted to check out the film since hearing about it.
Guess what folks: It's better than the book.
Before I start writing about the film, I must warn that there's no way that "Rules" is getting an "R," which means that Lions Gate will try to make Avary cut the movie.
Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it.
"Rules of Attraction" is a raw, shocking and highly engaging and involving film about the utter emptiness of today's collegiate atmosphere.
I don't want to go into detail about the plot. I just want to tell you how good it is. The acting in the film is terrific. Shanyn Sossoman: (sp) I'm in love. You're so good. Take films like this, and get away from 40 Days and 40 Nights. (Check out 41 days, 41 nights). Van Der Beek, You impressed the shit out of me. The rest of the cast is great, but Fred Savage:
HOT DAMN!
But anyway, to conclude, see this movie, whenever this film comes out. (I've heard September). This could end up being one of the films that haunts me forever. I'm not saying this film is perfect, but after seeing "Rules of Attraction," I was again reminded of why I go to movies in the first place.
Avary, don't bow down.
Call me Antoine Doinel.
P.S. Check out this. There is a brave man, much braver than Hartnett, in the world that you need to know about.
