Hey folks, Harry here. The second film of BUTT-NUMB-A-THON was Paul Thomas Anderson's MAGNOLIA. This is a film that can't really be related to you. It is a film that has so much going on, so many themes and emotions that it requires at least two viewings and a 2500 word review to even begin to touch on what it is. I immensely enjoyed the film. I wasn't a giant fan of BOOGIE NIGHTS... I like it, I just didn't think it was all that... However, I do think this movie is all that and more. Here's Tom and Annette with the word in the meanwhile..
Tom Joad and Annette Kellerman here, to talk about a little best picture nomination to come: P.T. Anderson’s MAGNOLIA.
Premiering at Harry’s Butt-Numb-A-Thon, as the second feature of the event, MAGNOLIA couldn’t have been more perfect as one of the kickoff flicks for the fest.
Clocking in at a little over three hours, this one takes off like a shot and never stops moving, never stops advancing, never stops probing. Quick, quick, quick.
We thought P.T.A. had it down with BOOGIE NIGHTS, but here, his storytelling technique proves him a film genius. Anderson has honed his skill as he harshly reveals the intense and sometimes dark soul of each character.
Building on the premise of pure coincidence, the film weaves it’s various plots together effortlessly. P.T.A. thrusts you into the story and dares you to identify with the various levels of complexity that each twist and turn conveys.
Tom Cruise. In a role seemingly written for him, his masculinity leaps from the screen nearly choking you with his audacious originality and virile certainty. However, ala a JERRY MAGUIRE breakdown (with tens times the grit) Cruise guides you through the labyrinth that is his character’s tortured past. Heads up for a supporting actor nod.
Philip Seymore Hoffman once again awes us in his portrayal of an earnest and caring everyman. When events in his life pose challenges unlike he’s encountered before, Hoffman delves deep, exploring emotions in his character that many an actor would never discover.
Julianne Moore, Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly and William H. Macy give P.T.A. another collection of solid performances that in our opinion, outshine their previous efforts.
Direction, script, performances, effects - this film has it all. Each element perfectly compliments the other, culminating in a continual build of tension, and then release. P.T.A.’s hold on the reigns is much tighter and more controlled than displayed before.
Lastly, the soundtrack. P.T.A. again amasses an amazing variety of music to create an extremely meaningful soundtrack while at the same time confounding us with the ingenious use of original music at the climax of the film.
We hope you are as blown away by this film as we were.
This one hits theaters December 20th. Don’t walk. Run.
We feel that you can definitely trust us on this one.
Until next time-
Tom and Annette
