​FILMS

inherent vice

2015 review number 37:

Inherent Vice: (Drama/Comedy): 63 out of 100: Based on the novel by Thomas Pynchon, this is the seventh film by Paul Thomas Anderson who definitely shies away from the mainstream. His films are usually filled with quirky, oddball characters and this film is no exception. It is an acquired taste but one that I didn't find tasty enough to devour.

Private eye Larry "Doc" Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) receives a surprise visit from his ex-girlfriend Shasta (Katherine Waterston) who informs him that her current boyfriend who just happens to be a rich land developer is being threatened by his wife and her boyfriend for a ransom demand. Shasta goes missing along with her boyfriend so Doc attempts to track them down. Along the way he meets up with an assortment of eccentric characters including Lt. Det. Christian F. "Bigfoot" Bjornsen (Josh Brolin), Coy Harlingen (Owen Wilson) and Deputy D.A. Penny Kimball (Reese Witherspoon).

This is a sprawling, rambling affair with so many characters that drop in an out of the plot. There are surfers, hustlers, dopers, rockers, LAPD Detectives and dentists just to name several of the character portrayals. There's a who's who of Hollywood in relatively small roles like Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Benicio Del Toro and Martin Short. If you are after a coherent, conventional narrative, you won't be getting it here. The cameos actually spoil the movie because you're looking out for the next big actor to appear when you should be focusing on the plot, which requires you to fully concentrate.

There are some amusing moments and several brilliant scenes but they simply don't gel to form an overall masterpiece package. It's probably the fault of the characters whom you don't really care for, even though there are some very good lines of dialogue. It's probably also the drug-filled, psychedelic era that will put off a lot of viewers. Phoenix plays drug induced well and he has some excellent scenes with Brolin and Waterston.

The era is recreated splendidly in the costumes and production design. The soundtrack consists of songs from the late 60s and early 70s with the electrifying score composed by Jonny Greenwood. If you lived through this era, the movie sure will help you reminisce.

"Inherent Voice" is not something for everyone. I'm sure there are people who would love this movie because it is different and has colourful characters enveloped by an unconventional narrative. If you are one that prefers a structured and conventional plot, you might end up feeling confused and underwhelmed, wondering what this film is all about.

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin and Katherine Waterston
(149 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language, nudity, sex scenes, sexual references, adult themes, violence and drug use
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUZgOQ186-A (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 12th March, 2015)

 

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