Not really an adaptation of Tolstoy's novella, but using it as a springboard to look at the utter emptiness of lives lived for money and fame. In this way, the film captures the essence of what Tolstoy was saying - that in death the futility of a life falsely lived becomes all too apparent. What better setting than Hollywood, with its macho stars, fawning agents and coke-addicted groupies. Ivan here is the agent, who, just as he secures his biggest deal and should be ecstatic, finds out some really bad news that changes everything. The script is superb: beginning quite rightly with a flash forward to just how little Ivan mattered to most of the people he seemed to be friendly with. This is a world of easy drugs and sex, good times day and night, and, at bottom, complete loneliness. The only two people that care for Ivan are his father and sister, who make a brief appearance in a pivotal scene. But this whole film is that rare thing: it seems to flow organically, to be completely subsumed by its theme and emotions, and it looks beautiful because of this, despite the use of video - actually, this may improve it, reflecting that emptiness at the centre, the main character's inability to find one good image from his life to give it value. The music by Wagner, at first annoying, turns out to be a perfect choice too, giving the film it's one touch of hope at the end. As Ivan says to the party girls: we all have to face this moment one day, no need to pity him. The acting by all is excellent - it doesn't feel like acting actually: it feels real from word go.
Review of Ivans xtc.
