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Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 10 August 2000

I originally saw this film at the Brisbane International Film Festival and was surprised to find people who found this film enjoyable.  Based upon the novel by  Jeffrey Eugenides, it’s one of those films where you’re better off having read the book before seeing the film.

It’s the story of the five Lisbon sisters - Cecilia, Lux, Bonnie, Mary and Therese.  Their parents keep a tight rein over the daughters allowing them little socialisation and other activities.  When Cecilia commits suicides, Mr and Mrs Lisbon are advised by a psychologist that the daughters need more influences than those they are currently limited to within the house.  They agree to allow the daughters to the school’s Homecoming Dance but the ramifications from that dance would change the path of all their lives.

The Virgin Suicides is the directorial debut of Sofia Coppola and it left little impression on me.  The film is an attempt to create some art-house cult movie through its darkness and controversial subtext but the end product is boring.  The performances were one of the few strengths to shine with James Woods and Kathleen Turner particularly good as the two parents.

From the viewpoints of others, my best recommendation is if you’re interested in this, read the novel.  If you haven’t, take your chances but be prepared for disappointment.  An underwhelming view.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 10 August 2000

He owns his own struggling record shop, which keeps alive his passion for music.  He has two faithful employees who are both nuts and his mother and sister are constantly on his case to get married and settle down.  Yes, it is a comedy.

This light-hearted insight on relationships is filled with sharp wit but several jokes don’t quite strike the target.  Those appreciative of music will adore the soundtrack and constant references to past musical greats.  There are a few references to the film industry thrown in for good measure.

It’s a beauty of a cast also.  John Cusack is always perfect in these roles and is backed by the quirkiness of Todd Louiso and Jack Black as the two employees.  It’s filled with small cameos including Tim Robbins at his very best.

There’s a tendency for the film to drag towards the end but it’s positive to see a different take on romance that doesn’t offer the same answers as all the others.  The characters have touching qualities and Rob’s obsession with music is an illustration of the depth of this characterisation.

Falling into the “arthouse” basket, High Fidelity is adult comedy with an M rating.  It’s time to roll back the clock to some of your old music favourites.  If you could put five songs on a compilation tape - which songs would you choose?  The answer could tell you more about yourself that you might think.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 10 August 2000

Working at his father’s firm on Wall Street, Patrick Bateman’s life revolves around appearances.  He enjoys grooming, exercise, dinners at exclusive restaurants, picking up “hardbodys” at clubs and doing as little work as possible - creating the illusion to all that he is a successful individual.  Patrick Bateman is also a psychopath.

Bret Easton Ellis’s novel is a work of art.  Banned in Queensland for its subject material (which is much worse than that seen on the screen), American Psycho is an intricate novel that has a lot to say about people in the late 1980s.

It is surprising to see the film directed by a woman, particularly as it so acutely illustrates the depravity of men.  Her direction and screenplay are strong but the impact left by the book isn’t fully captured in her adaptation.  At times the film resembles a jumble and for those unfamiliar with the novel, the pieces won’t always fit together.  What became of Luis Carruthers, Courtney Rawlinson, Evelyn Williams?  Special credit has to go to the opening credit sequence that was extremely well designed.

American Psycho has had a colourful past on its path to the big screen.  Christian Bale was touted as the lead until Leonardo came along, following the success of Titanic, and sought the part.  Women’s groups protested claiming DiCaprio’s teen-idol status would encourage younger viewers to idolise his character and DiCaprio subsequently turned down the role leaving Bale to sign on the dotted line.

Christian Bale does a great job in a most difficult role.  I was most surprised by his ability to capture the soul of the character - he’s not really “evil”, he’s just a psychopath.  Some of his wittiest moments come as he discusses the musical talents of Phil Collins and Whitney Houston and how he kept a straight face I will never know.

There’s a lot behind Patrick Bateman and American Psycho that makes entrancing viewing.  It’ll leave you thinking just what it all means and whether such people really do exist.  Trust me, they do.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 03 August 2000

It’s that time of year at the Pittsburgh university, where he teaches, for the annual literary festival.  Tripp’s editor, Terry Crabtree (Downey Jnr), has used it as an excuse to pop into town to quiz Tripp regarding his new novel.  Each year, the festival opens with a party at the home of the Chancellor, Sara Gaskell (McDormand) and her husband, Walter (Richard Thomas), whose head of the English Department.

Grady’s having an affair with Sara and tells her that his wife has just separated from him.  She fires back with the news that she’s pregnant, he is the father, and she’s not yet prepared to leave Walter.

Also at the function are Hannah Green (Holmes) and James Leer (Maguire), two of Tripp’s brightest English students.  Hannah’s always had a soft crush on Tripp and lives in the same campus building as the Professor.  James has always been mysterious in class and never interacts much with other students - he’s a loner.

As chance would have it, Tripp converses with James whilst smoking a joint on the Gaskell’s front lawn and a series of events is set off that would become a turning point in the lives off those around them.

The cast are all super and it’s hard to single out any performance.  Michael Douglas is dazzling and it’s great to see him in different role from his “norm”.  Frances McDormand is always a delight on screen and the moments she shares with Douglas are a tribute to two of the finest in the business - both Oscar winners.

Tobey Maguire (The Ice Storm, Pleasantville & The Cider House Rules) is the best young actor in Hollywood right now and shows his versatility tackling the role of James.  I was surprised as to how well he can play “stoned”.  Even Robert Downey Jnr is a joy to watch.  He actually missed the premiere of the film in the United States as he was in jail serving time for drug use.

Wonder Boys is one of the best movies of the year.  It’s the little things that make all the difference and director Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) has produced a very sharp film.  The way he captures the rain and snow (which are prominent all through the film) is beautiful.  His ability to show university life in a realistic fashion is also a tribute.

This is a film not to be missed.  As Tripp says, “Nobody teaches a writer anything - you tell them what you know, you tell them to find their voice and stay with it”.  Great words, great story, great film.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 10 August 2000

Eye Of The Beholder is an intriguing thriller.  A mysterious detective known only as “the Eye” (McGregor) is given the assignment of watching the boss’s son who is suspected of embezzling family monies.  When the son is murdered by a deceptive woman named Joanna (Judd), Eye finds himself fascinated by her and follows her all across America trying to learn more about her.

There’s not a lot more to say.  The film is a little muddled but that is Elliot’s intention - he doesn’t want to give everything away too early.  All the way, I wasn’t sure where it was going or what it was about and yet I couldn’t stop watching - I had to see how it ended.  Therein lies the flaw - the disappointing ending.

Small side items are also a distraction.  How is it he follows her around without being noticed?  How does he always manage to pack so quickly when she’s on the move?  How does he never manage to lose sight of her?  What is up with all the snow domes?  What happened to the boss?  These questions will really only make sense once you’ve watched the film and I feel I’m not the only one who will be asking them.

Ashley Judd always has a strong presence on screen and her exuberance makes her the most likeable in the film.  McGregor downplays his role and perhaps was not the best man for the job.  Small cameos from actors like k.d. lang and Jason Priestly stop the eyes from wandering but they can’t boost the film’s slower moments (and there are quite a few).

The film’s arthouse style is a gamble that has backfired.  There’s little to take away and little you’ll remember the next day.  On the back of the disgraceful Welcome To Woop Woop, Stephan Elliott should have a close look at the subject material before tackling his next project.  That is of course, if he gets another chance.