Paul Thomas Anderson this reviewer has always considered to be an extremely talented director, and of his films 'Boogie Nights' and 'There Will Be Blood' are particularly wonderful.
Before viewing 'Inherent Vice', this reviewer was yet to see a bad film from Anderson with 'Hard Eight still being a very good film. After seeing 'Inherent Vice', although for Anderson it's disappointing and could have been better that feeling still stands. It is completely understandable why people won't like it however, it is not for all tastes and even though 'Magnolia' and 'The Master' are polarising films that test the patience and challenge those who don't like those films 'Inherent Vice' has clearly divided viewers more than any other of Anderson's films.
'Inherent Vice' does have its issues. Its biggest problem is the story, which seems to be the biggest flaw for a lot of people (even those who liked or loved the film have acknowledged it isn't as strong as the rest of the film). Here the story is meandering, over-entangled, over-complicated, draggy pace-wise and not very easy to follow, with a lack of pay off. It is adapted from Thomas Pynchon, and despite the noble effort it is living proof that Pynchon is very difficult to adapt and even considered unfilmable.
The characters are not the usual realistically flawed or compellingly real characters of most of Anderson's films, here they are not as interesting or as developed apart from Phoenix's character, most of the supporting roles being caricatures. And this is a rare instance of the soundtrack being a disappointment, Anderson's films have always had memorable utilisation of music that are catchy and rich in emotion, but neither is the case here and mood-wise it's too subdued.
On the other hand, 'Inherent Vice' is a superbly made film as is always the case with Anderson. As was said in my review for 'The Master', Anderson's films are some of the most visually beautiful and bold around. Exquisitely shot with sumptuous and atmospheric production values, Anderson's trademark visual style shines completely with his distinctive use of constantly moving camera, steadicam-based continuous long takes (a famous example in his films being the opening shot in 'Boogie Nights'), tracking shots and very multi-layered audio-visual imagery. Anderson's direction is superb.
The script along with the costumes was Oscar-nominated, and those nominations were deserved, with the costumes being spot-on in representing the era. The script achieves some tremendously funny, often hilarious, moments, as well as an affectingly melancholic tone, balancing both adeptly. The acting is one of 'Inherent Vice's' biggest strengths. While not quite as good as his performance in 'The Master' Joaquin Phoenix is wonderful, while Josh Brolin attacks his role with gusto. Even with short appearances, Witherspoon, Martin Short, Owen Wilson, Jena Malone, Joanna Newsom, Maya Rudolph and Michael K Williams give brilliant supporting turns (Short in particular is a hoot), and Katherine Waterson is unforgettably sensual.
Summing up, Anderson's weakest and has its problems, mostly with the story, but interesting and worth watching. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Before viewing 'Inherent Vice', this reviewer was yet to see a bad film from Anderson with 'Hard Eight still being a very good film. After seeing 'Inherent Vice', although for Anderson it's disappointing and could have been better that feeling still stands. It is completely understandable why people won't like it however, it is not for all tastes and even though 'Magnolia' and 'The Master' are polarising films that test the patience and challenge those who don't like those films 'Inherent Vice' has clearly divided viewers more than any other of Anderson's films.
'Inherent Vice' does have its issues. Its biggest problem is the story, which seems to be the biggest flaw for a lot of people (even those who liked or loved the film have acknowledged it isn't as strong as the rest of the film). Here the story is meandering, over-entangled, over-complicated, draggy pace-wise and not very easy to follow, with a lack of pay off. It is adapted from Thomas Pynchon, and despite the noble effort it is living proof that Pynchon is very difficult to adapt and even considered unfilmable.
The characters are not the usual realistically flawed or compellingly real characters of most of Anderson's films, here they are not as interesting or as developed apart from Phoenix's character, most of the supporting roles being caricatures. And this is a rare instance of the soundtrack being a disappointment, Anderson's films have always had memorable utilisation of music that are catchy and rich in emotion, but neither is the case here and mood-wise it's too subdued.
On the other hand, 'Inherent Vice' is a superbly made film as is always the case with Anderson. As was said in my review for 'The Master', Anderson's films are some of the most visually beautiful and bold around. Exquisitely shot with sumptuous and atmospheric production values, Anderson's trademark visual style shines completely with his distinctive use of constantly moving camera, steadicam-based continuous long takes (a famous example in his films being the opening shot in 'Boogie Nights'), tracking shots and very multi-layered audio-visual imagery. Anderson's direction is superb.
The script along with the costumes was Oscar-nominated, and those nominations were deserved, with the costumes being spot-on in representing the era. The script achieves some tremendously funny, often hilarious, moments, as well as an affectingly melancholic tone, balancing both adeptly. The acting is one of 'Inherent Vice's' biggest strengths. While not quite as good as his performance in 'The Master' Joaquin Phoenix is wonderful, while Josh Brolin attacks his role with gusto. Even with short appearances, Witherspoon, Martin Short, Owen Wilson, Jena Malone, Joanna Newsom, Maya Rudolph and Michael K Williams give brilliant supporting turns (Short in particular is a hoot), and Katherine Waterson is unforgettably sensual.
Summing up, Anderson's weakest and has its problems, mostly with the story, but interesting and worth watching. 7/10 Bethany Cox