Good film worth a rent

Rating: Null/10 (7 February 2004)

This movie is worth a rent.
While I do not think that it should be idolized as an amazing film, it certainly is quite good. I like the atmosphere and the style. The plotline and central idea driving the movie are excellent and well-conceived. The acting is standout. The only major complaint that I have is the overuse of stylistic elements - the flashy migraine sequences, etc. The heavy emphasis on the abstract detracts from the movie; the audience is left with a feeling of partiality. That is to say that more real substance, firm plot, and concrete ideas could have made the story much better overall. I realize that part of the art of the film is this abstraction, but at some point filmmakers must make sense in their films, and I feel that the heavy emphasis on the stylistic elements (while certainly very visually inventive) detracts from the story as it is used so extensively. Also, I liked the grainy black and white film that was used. It sets the audience up emotionally. It is symbolic of quite a lot of the motifs in the movie. I must say, the movie would have been something quite different if filmed on a crisp, vibrant, color film. Too polished maybe; I don't really know- I have to watch it again.
And yes, the main character did come to peace with the world at the end of the film - because he partially lobotomized himself. The phrase , "ignorance is bliss" comes to mind.
Watch this movie - it is worth a rent/price of the DVD.