Fascinating, maddening, a soaring experience

Rating: Null/10 (7 January 2015)

The hype and acclaim for this was huge, and yet somehow the film still managed to surprise. I don't have a lot of time to give more detailed thoughts like I did Whiplash yesterday, but it's safe to say I agree with the board in its admiration and intense love for both. Unlike Whiplash though, this was a different sort of experience, definitely one I had to get used to. The film's "one take" structure really does sort of push the film into the audience, to fully take the characters in and at times be overwhelming. It took me about 30 minutes to be fully immersed in it, but when I did, it functioned as a character drama in such extraordinary ways, and in ways that really hit me afterwards. By the time it was over, I was ready to watch it again, it's one of those films... I also want to say that it feels like such an instant classic. I don't think any recent film in years has felt this way, but this really does. I'm also surprised by how it's one of the two front-runners for awards, I wouldn't have thought as many people would be as open to it but I'm so glad. The ensemble is amazing, with Norton and Keaton being among the best of the year. I actually think that it's such a shame that both Simmons and Norton came out the same year because both would've made more-than-worthy winners. Seeing both Whiplash and this in the span of 24 hours is just, too much to contain. Too much greatness, I feel like I can't take it