Lonely photographer Martin (an excellent anguished portrayal by Charley Hayward) develops an intense and unhealthy fixation on Rebecca (a charming and vibrant performance by the lovely Lisa Zane) after meeting her at a wedding reception. Complications ensue when the liberated and free-spirited Rebecca fails to live up to Martin's romantic ideals.
This early UCLA thesis film from writer/director Alexander Payne offers a full display of his fiercely mordant wit and skewed worldview, with Payne mercilessly mocking such worthy targets as obsession, pretentious artsy fartsy types, and the more tragic and damaging aspects of love with often wickedly funny results. Moreover, Payne's use of various snazzy stylistic flourishes that include freeze frames, slow motion, and an especially barbed voiceover done by Martin prove that the guy was a substantial cinematic talent to be reckoned with right from the start. The twisted surprise "happy" ending packs a startling kick. A bitterly hysterical hoot.
This early UCLA thesis film from writer/director Alexander Payne offers a full display of his fiercely mordant wit and skewed worldview, with Payne mercilessly mocking such worthy targets as obsession, pretentious artsy fartsy types, and the more tragic and damaging aspects of love with often wickedly funny results. Moreover, Payne's use of various snazzy stylistic flourishes that include freeze frames, slow motion, and an especially barbed voiceover done by Martin prove that the guy was a substantial cinematic talent to be reckoned with right from the start. The twisted surprise "happy" ending packs a startling kick. A bitterly hysterical hoot.