Whenever I was a gay SMG fan and this came out, I found it impossible to understand. After another viewing or two, one can get the plot under control. But there is so much going on here, it's not for the general audience. The complicated nature of the film on top of the sometimes unbecoming presentation and style made people load this film.
However, upon watching it now that I'm older and my understanding of the political landscape is much more informed and nuanced, this movie blows my mind. To say it's brilliant and extraordinary are understatements. Southland Tales is the type of movie with which you must get on its wavelength, rather than the movie getting on your wavelength.
The commentary - on politics, war, Biblical tellings of the apocalypse, elitism, fringe movements - is indescribable.
The production is faultless and always innovative. The cast ensemble is comprised probably probably over 30 recognizable actors, all with a prominent specific role in this alternate universe or a liberal's worst fears about the continuation of the Bush era. Sarah Michelle Gellar is my personal MVP in this one-of-a-kind comedic relief character, but just about every actors kills it.
There is more detail in this movie than in 10 movies in any given year combined. It's a miracle that 1) Southland Tales was made in the first place, 2) Richard Kelly pulled it off. This is perhaps one of the defining pieces of art to come out of the Bush era of culture.
However, upon watching it now that I'm older and my understanding of the political landscape is much more informed and nuanced, this movie blows my mind. To say it's brilliant and extraordinary are understatements. Southland Tales is the type of movie with which you must get on its wavelength, rather than the movie getting on your wavelength.
The commentary - on politics, war, Biblical tellings of the apocalypse, elitism, fringe movements - is indescribable.
The production is faultless and always innovative. The cast ensemble is comprised probably probably over 30 recognizable actors, all with a prominent specific role in this alternate universe or a liberal's worst fears about the continuation of the Bush era. Sarah Michelle Gellar is my personal MVP in this one-of-a-kind comedic relief character, but just about every actors kills it.
There is more detail in this movie than in 10 movies in any given year combined. It's a miracle that 1) Southland Tales was made in the first place, 2) Richard Kelly pulled it off. This is perhaps one of the defining pieces of art to come out of the Bush era of culture.