Magnolia (Spoilers)

[Joe Rubalcaba]

The only reason why I can't agree that "Magnolia" is "Pychon-esque" is probably because...
it is such a disappointment. 

The film spends so much time forcing, onto the viewer, this idea that it's narrative is based on  some sort of elaborate inter-weaving of lives and events, which is simply not the case.  It's incredibly well thought out opening which introduces the concept that "chance" is sometimes much more than "just coincidence" never actually comes into play.  All set up, no pay off.  I'd go into specific detail, but I am sure there those of you who will still go out and see it.

Anybody who has seen Robert Altman's "Short Cuts" would easily recognize the masterful way that Altman does, and PTA doesn't, bring meaning to the "relationships" and influence, that "strangers" can have on each other.  A goal that PTA set for his film but just could not bring to fruition.

I can say that PTA is a fabulous visual director that can create a strong mood in his scenes and can move a camera like the best of them.  It's his screenplays, including Boogie Nights, which desperately needed re-writes and an hour trimmed from each.

J


> ** Original Subject: Re: Magnolia  (Spoilers)
> ** Original Sender: EgoistX at aol.com
> ** Original Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2000 00:18:43 -0600

> ** Original Message follows... 

>
> Richard Romeo writes:
> 
> > Subject: Re: Magnolias
> >  
> >  hate to be a disagreeable, but that director has not made an original 
> >  film--boogie nights started off well, but drowned in scorcese/tarrantino 
> >  cliches
> >  This new flick has altman written all over it, with one of the worst 
> endings 
> > 
> >  for a flick in recent memory.
> >  
> 
> I disagree entirely.  I saw Magnolia about 2 weeks ago.  I loved Boogie 
> Nights and felt that it should have garnered the attention that Titanic did 
> that year.  However, I'm sure that the very subject matter made it somewhat 
> outre to many involved with awards.  Boogie Nights is just wonderfully 
> cinematic.
> 
> Magnolia, IMHO, is very Pynchonesque.  It definitely warrants multiple 
> viewings as there are a lot of things going on, and this weird vibe that 
> there are strange powers controlling things.  
> 
> 
> >>Begin Spoiler Space
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>  Look for references to Exodus 8.2 as well as Masonic references.  Those are 
> the 2 wacky things that spring to mind immediately.  I don't want to discuss 
> this too much, as it's nice to walk into a film knowing as little as possible.
> 
> -Adrian


>** --------- End Original Message ----------- **

>  





j o e    r u b a l c a b a 
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