Quick plug: Enter the Void
by Ryland Walker Knight
How about the flimsiest defense possible for an indefensible argument? Well, here you go! I volunteered at the 11th hour to try to wrangle together a "pro" side of a diptych column on the impossible-to-ignore Gaspar Noé wormhole of sense and "good" taste. I should probably say more but it boils down to this: you won't forget seeing Enter The Void. You should see it in a theatre, if it's playing near you, and you should go pee before it starts because it's kind of long and kind of tedious but, you know, that's the point (kind of). In fact, I think the flick could be yet longer and that'd make it better. If it really embraced the sprawl, actually went into a random-fire non-structure, truly hovered at the sidelines. But, as I say (feebly) in that post, it's worth the trip, such as it is, because it's going to make you feel something. It will take over you and your body. It may be pretty idiotic, and it may have an awful script, but its audacity's got to count for something.
For what it's worth, I realize this isn't a work of criticism. If I get some more free time, or the right nudge, I may pop up again to flesh out my thoughts. However, I'd really rather just talk about it. Or, truth be told, I'd rather read something about it written by Martha. Now, to some tacos and some baseball and some beer.
10 minutes later update: This is because the movie opens in SF tomorrow though it already opened in NYC+LA and is also available On Demand for those unlucky enough to be denied the theatrical experience.
Posts
Your thoughts on EtV: yep. Exactly.
ReplyDeleteHeh, thanks, Ken.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing you saw the American release version with one omitted reel, no? I think I've heard of select screenings with the full version, but if you saw the 'American version' which Noe was required to make by contract then maybe when it comes out on blu ray you can see that longer cut that you wanted to see. Maybe your screening was full of seasoned cinemagoers or at least people who knew what they were in for but did you see anyone walk out or have any sort of adverse reactions? One interviewer on IFC, I think, seemed convinced that the film made him break out into hives. Odd thing, that.
ReplyDeleteI did see the American version, in a rather sparsely attended press screening some morning a couple weeks ago. As far as I could tell, nobody walked out. I went to the bathroom once but I couldn't wait to get back in there. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDelete