
Don't expect another Donnie Darko
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Many of us have seen hundreds, if not thousands of films. Once in a while a movie comes along that tickles your brain in new ways. Whether you like it or not, it has an impact. Movies like Blue Velvet, Repo Man and Brazil. This is one of them.
Southland Tales is basically a collection of great moments pulled off by a great cast and a brilliant director. Think of 20 wonderful YouTube clips strung together in an interesting yet incoherent way. And believe me, numerous scenes in this movie will be YouTube hits.
This isn't a movie for most audiences. You won't relate to any characters, and you won't follow or really care about the preposterous plot. It is dark and cynical. And despite it's heavy-handed political story, there is no deep, introspective meaning behind anything whatsoever. This is why many people won't get it, and thus will hate it. It's a dark film with a dash of comedy and a heavy dose of LSD. But there are enough funny moments to save it from feeling like a depressing, bad trip.
Critics have used the word mishmash - and it is. Just like David Lynch and Terry Gilliam, Richard Kelly is clearly conflicted between telling a coherent, compelling story while simultaneously expressing his creative vision. Sometimes you have to choose one or the other, and he chose the latter this time. Which is fine by me. This movie is a gem, and if you are confused or put off by the plot, just pay attention in the beginning. The entire story is explained very early on during a movie pitch scene. After that, all that matters is you enjoy the ride.
And one last note to Kelly fans. Do not expect anything remotely similar to Donnie Darko. Very different type of film. The only similarity is the amazing soundtrack
Review ID: 10000000006264863

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