This is a review of the Director's Cut version.
Under the direction of Bogdanovich, this stellar cast shines through a sometimes murky script. Bogdanovich achieved this by being brave enough to film some scenes in long takes of two shots, giving us the full attention on the acting without having to distract us with edits to close ups and so on. This even allowed the actors enough space for some small beautiful moments of what seemed to be improvisation. And if it wasn't, then the scriptwriter, Carol Heikkinen, did an amazing job in capturing the quirkiness of these characters.
I couldn't keep my eyes of Phoenix playing the part of a self centered music artist who didn't know how to use his heart of gold in case it was hurt. His mannerisms remind me of Johnny Depp's style of acting. It is so pure and honest, and fun to watch.
Samantha Mathis pulled it off as the leading lady, but she had great supporting acts in the shape of the then amazing Sandra Bullock and the upcoming talents of Dermont Mulroney.
Some may argue that the director's cut may be too long and boring, but this cut definitely captures the world these characters have entered by spending more time in observing the dream they are chasing, and how that dream can sometimes run you down.
Under the direction of Bogdanovich, this stellar cast shines through a sometimes murky script. Bogdanovich achieved this by being brave enough to film some scenes in long takes of two shots, giving us the full attention on the acting without having to distract us with edits to close ups and so on. This even allowed the actors enough space for some small beautiful moments of what seemed to be improvisation. And if it wasn't, then the scriptwriter, Carol Heikkinen, did an amazing job in capturing the quirkiness of these characters.
I couldn't keep my eyes of Phoenix playing the part of a self centered music artist who didn't know how to use his heart of gold in case it was hurt. His mannerisms remind me of Johnny Depp's style of acting. It is so pure and honest, and fun to watch.
Samantha Mathis pulled it off as the leading lady, but she had great supporting acts in the shape of the then amazing Sandra Bullock and the upcoming talents of Dermont Mulroney.
Some may argue that the director's cut may be too long and boring, but this cut definitely captures the world these characters have entered by spending more time in observing the dream they are chasing, and how that dream can sometimes run you down.