Nothing more than spectacle

Rating: Null/10 (7 February 2004)

The film lacked a unified plot. I didn't like the opening--a collection of gags that kind of pertained to the theme. Theme: contrast of two cultures. A young woman trying to find her way in life vs an old man...trying to find his way in life. (early twenties vs late fifties) She is about to take a next step in her life and he is about to take a next growing step in his life. We never real see this growth. We see it bloom, but it never pays off at the end. I don't quite buy the characters. I'm not quite sure what this movie is trying to say. Cultures are different...but you have to love those differences? No matter your age, you continue to grow? ...or...Sofia flipped through a Nylon magazine while listening to some underground tunes and got the urge to make a movie! The Acadamy Award nominations this year are awful. This film had an amazing soundtrack, wonderful art direction and great cinematography, yet somehow lands nominations for Best Original Screenplay, Best Picture, and Best Director. (On a side note, Tim Burton's Big Fish gets left in the dust!) I LOVED The Virgin Suicides and Lick the Star, and wonder why those didn't receive the kind of recognition this film has gotten.