Zen Noir
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Movie Reviews of Zen Noir
Movie Review: A buddhist film noir fable...
Summary: 3 Stars
A nice attempt, using the conventions of noir-ish detective stories to illustrate across some aspects of the buddhist concept of impermanence, and living in & appreciating the present, despite the awareness of the imminent presence of death. I only wish that the production values were a bit higher, and the lead's performance a bit ... subtler, perhaps... for those are the only things keeping this film from getting a higher rating, least from me. Chicago theater actress Debra Miller won best actress for her role as the dedicated practitioner, 'Jane' in this film at Chicago's Indiefest in 2004.Movie Review: Time better spent meditating
Summary: 2 Stars
If you have no interest in Zen or Buddhism, its unlikely you'll find anything exceptional in Zen Noir, except perhaps for Debra Miller's boobs. While these were remarkably firm, the film is unbearably flat.
Dressing his project out in 1940's hard-boiled detective genre, first-time American director Marc Rosenbush attempts with minimal set and plot to play both high camp and high philosophy. Neither really work. Ostensibly a murder mystery, the film is not so much about murder as it is life, not about who did it, but what it all means. To get to the big scene, though, you'll have to sit through an hour of trite jokes, a string of non-sequiturs to test the patience of even seasoned practitioners. "Where were you at the time of the murder?" the detective asks. "What do you mean by time?" the monk rejoins. To the wizened master the detective pleads, "Help me still my mind." Zen students know what line comes next - "Ok, give me your mind."
The acting isn't bad, and the music seems fairly interesting, though nothing you'd seek out on CD. But even if you're interested in Zen or Buddhism, about the only reason to watch Zen Noir is much the same reason I had. I was too tired to read a book, too tired to meditate, not yet ready for bed, and had nothing else to watch.
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Movie Review: The sound of no hand clapping
Summary: 2 Stars
I purchased this DVD based in part on the reviews here at amazon, which to date all give the film many stars and glowing descriptions. I beg to differ. Yes, there is a Zen element to the film, as well as a definite nod to the Noir genre. Of course, there as also acting, directing, and plot. All of these named elements of the film were shallow and amateurish in my humble opinion. And by the way, just because the lines are delivered excruciatingly slowly and there are long pauses between the lines does not make it more Zen. After viewing I looked at the awards and critical acclaim quotes on the cover of the DVD, as well as viewing again the glowing comments on amazon, and wonder if they all were made by friends and family members of the film's creators, a little too anxious to like this movie. I hesitate to negatively review things, but I wanted to throw a word of caution to others considering purchasing this movie. It may be worth seeing but not worth owning.Movie Review: Is there anything lower than one star?
Summary: 1 Stars
I am shocked at how bad this movie is. Production values - ok. Script - ok. But it seems to be about itself, and i don't think that's zen; I think it's narcissism. I felt what it attempted to communicate was disingenuous. I was bored, and I was dismayed because I ordered it upon recommendation of someone whom I trust. It was NOT what i expected, but my challenge is that it was not fruitful, not for me, anyway.Movie Review: Maybe it's camp.
Summary: 1 Stars
Possibly I just didn't get it. It reminded me of the very camp "Batman" series on TV. That series was so bad that it became good in a camp sort of way. I think this was a failed attempt to be in the "so bad it is good" genre.