I'm gonna put lots of pretty videos in this post because it's a bit longer (being that it's TWO reviews and all).
Movie #1 - Sleepwalk With Me
You may have heard of Sleepwalk With Me because of this video:
And those of you who know this man's name is Joss Whedon and not Josh Whedon probably delighted in it. This charming stunt was able to pull lots of New Yorkers off their IKEA furniture and to the theater opening weekend to see this little indie film. And, being oh-so-behind the curve, I finally saw it this week.
This film is based on a true story and directed and starring the man who lived that true story. Normally, I would say that's a bad idea. I mean first off, that just seems like too many jobs for one person. There's the living the life, the directing, the running to the other side of the camera to take the direction - sounds EXHAUSTING. But, this film is about a comedian; so luckily, he doesn't take any of it too seriously.
Mike Birbiglia's character, Matt Pandamiglio, (yes, clever decoy Mike, clever decoy) is a failed comedian in a relationship that's about as stunted as him. Until, one day he gets the chance to tour with his act, and he finds himself growing further and further a part from his long-time girlfriend. Now, this sounds really boring when you describe it, but it's based on life, so that's not really anyone's fault (except life's, but you're already blaming life for death today, so maybe give it a break). The oh-so-comedic twist on this all is that Mr. Pandamiglio has a sleeping disorder which causes him to sleepwalk and act out his dreams, often resulting in injury or extreme embarrassment. Mid-life crises and chortling ensure.
The movie is certainly funny and delightful. It feels very real in a Girls "stuff is disappointing, you're not going to get over that" kind of way. And while I didn't dislike the main character, it was hard for me to fall in love with a movie about a guy who is just lost, and a sucky boyfriend. Maybe I saw it ten years too early. Maybe I was annoyed by the CLICHE girlfriend character who comes home sobbing and drunk and ready to leave this foolio and then stays because he proposes (pretty much accidentally). I mean, I had my issues with it. But, still, it was funny in a way that most things aren't today, and that's an achievement.
Check out the trailer to decide for yourself:
Movie #2 - Girl Model
As someone who has watched MANY of the all day marathons of America's Next Top Model on Oxygen, but also enjoys learning things (yeah, I like learning stuff. You know, stuff stuff), I was excited to see a documentary about the phenomenon of young eastern European girls leaving home at the ages of 12 and 13 to model. I had high hopes.
I was disappointed. This movie is strange. This movies is boring. This movies is LONG. I feel like the review could end here, but I guess I'll write a bit more.
I didn't feel this movie had any perspective or point-of-view. Even when showing you the struggle that these young girls go through, leaving home at such an early age and being put under tremendous stress, it doesn't de-glamorize it. These girls end up coming back to model, even after previously difficult and trying trips. They come back because there's nothing for them at home. Which is exactly, and sickeningly, the point that the model company owner makes. What would these girls do otherwise? Is modeling their one chance to be independent women? It's all very bleak. In addition to following one of these young models, we also follow one of the model scouts. She was previously a model herself, and proclaims to hate the industry, but insists that it's all she knows how to do. We see her extravagant home and her slightly deranged videos from modeling years past. We see she has no passion for the business, but that she still defends her work publicly. So, what are we supposed to think?
The filmmaker gives us information, but no direction. And while objectivity is often very important in documentary filmmaking, the result here was a slow and unemotional film. We're excited when our young model gets opportunities, but disgusted by the conditions she's put in. We agree with the scout about the ridiculousness of fashion and beauty, but hate her for lying to the camera about the cruel truths of her industry. Even that sounds more interesting than the film was.
Trailer her for those still curious:
If you've made it this far. YOU WIN! Also, I'm seeing The Perks of Being a Wallflower tomorrow and I AM EXCITEDDDDDDDD!!!
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