Storytelling
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Movie Reviews of Storytelling
Movie Review: He's an acquired taste but I love his films.
Summary: 5 Stars
Todd Solodnz is not everyone's cup of tea. To enjoy his films, one must have a jet-black sense of humor and be comfortable with having your buttons pushed. He's definitely an acquired taste, but I love his movies. And, this one is no exception. It reminded me of Woody Allen's "Deconstructing Harry" in that it seems to be Solondz's response to his crticis. Indeed, it's a good film, but it's even better if you've already seen his other films ("Welcome to the Dollhouse," "Fear, Anxiety, & Depression," and "Happiness"). Solodnz dwells on subjects that most people would rather pretend don't exist (oh, but they do, they do). He makes you squirm and think and usually laugh at what you're seeing even though you may feel guilty about it afterwards. But, that's the point of a Todd Solondz film - anyone seeking lighthearted escapist fare will run screaming from the exits. But, for those who can "take it" and appreciate something different and intelligent, there are many rewards to be found. "Storytelling" may be a tad weaker than "Welcome" & "Happiness" (though miles above "Fear"), but it still succeeds wonderfully. I can't get this film out of my mind. It's essentially an examination of where the line between valid art and exploitation lies, of where the search for truth ends and a carnival geek show begins. And, it's a doozy. The MPAA objected to one particular scene in the first segment, "Fiction," causing Solondz to obscure the offending image with a bright, incongruous red rectangle rather than cut it (the scene in question is integral to the story). Now, that one can see the scene uncensored on this DVD, it provides even more proof that the MPAA is out of control (the scene is really no more explicit than anything to be found in, say, "Original Sin"). It's really the ideals and concepts Todd examines which make the MPAA uncomfortable, but all they can do is attack scenes with nudity and clearly simulated sex. Ridiculous, really. Some may find the subject matter and sense of humor repugnant, but this is one of the better films I've seen recently.Movie Review: A movie that never flinches
Summary: 5 Stars
Todd Solondz's funny and controversial films examine sordid suburbia. They are witty, satirical stories but also unflinching in their use of controversial subjects like rape, pedophilia and other "uncomfortable" subjects that most mainstream films would never have the nerve to address, much less use in a comedic context. So, you either love his films or hate them (as the other reviews here will attest.) I happen to love his films.It might be best to watch his previous film, "Happiness", before watching "Storytelling" as "Storytelling" seems (to me) to be the film maker's personal response to the criticisms that his other films have elicited. "Storytelling" is composed of two, separate stories titled "Fiction" and "Non Fiction". "Non Fiction" features a documentary film maker (clearly representing Solondz)who's a downtrodden geek, accused of exploiting his subjects.
His films make you laugh but also uncomfortable about laughing. I think he's an exciting voice in American cinema, far removed from the formulated drek that's cranked out by the studios. Highly recommended!
Movie Review: Todd Solondz is fuktop!
Summary: 5 Stars
I won't review it or give it away...I hate to do that. But you should really be prepared for some weird and shocking stuff to the max...specially the first 30 minutes of the film!!! those 30 minutes are a masterpiece...the rest of the film is not as good but still very interesting. I trully enjoy exploitation flicks!!!Todd Solondz is the new master of suburbian exploitation. I love all his stuff but this is definitely not for everyone. Even though he uses shock value to reflect untypical darkly funny situations...some mystical intelligence is present. I don't like reviews...movies should speak for themselves the same as portraits and paintings, but if you haven't seen any of Todd Solondz films, then you should try first with "Happiness" and then try "Storytelling" or "Welcome to the Dollhouse". This is a very difficult and quite icoherent film to watch if you haven't seen his first two entries...but still has some very imaginative elements. So if you like weird, hard to watch and untypical films...give this a try.
Movie Review: About the Red Rectangle on the VHS...
Summary: 5 Stars
Just a quick note about the red rectagle that comes up on the screen during an *extremely* important scene of this movie. Someone else mentioned that the scene should have been changed so that it could have been viewed without the scene, but this is something that the director refused to do. When Storytelling was reviewed by the MPAA for rating, the director was told that this sceen must be cut inorder to receive the R rating. Instead of destroying the movie the director decided that he would keep the scene, but with that he included the red rectangle to cover what was actually occuring. This was the only way that the movie could have recieved MPAA approval. Instead of ruining the movie I belive that Solonz is making a strong statement about censorship and how the MPAA effects the art of Film. So you do not want to see the big rectangle? Do not buy the movie on VHS. This is how it was shown in theaters, and personally I would have rather seen the original scene with the rectangle than a completely new one.Movie Review: hilarious with the right frame of mind
Summary: 5 Stars
This is probably my favorite example of dark comedy to date--but it's very all-or-nothing. There are only 2 funny parts, each one taking up half the movie. Most of the movie is stupid, offensive, dark...just all around disturbing. If you stay curious about where it's going to go and open minded, you'll have a better shot at being one of those who get the punch line(s) and find them funny. All the horrible stuff they put you through is just setup for a (sick) joke. I saw this with a couple of people who didn't get it, and frankly I can see where they're coming from. However, the dedication to the jokes is incredible, and if they work for you, the punch lines are just...ridiculous. If your sense of humor is dark or highly adaptable, this film is worth checking out--otherwise, don't bother, because you'll just come away thinking it's disturbing and pointless.