such a tired topic

Rating: 5/10 (1 December 2004)

I'm so tired of supposedly 'edgy' films that focus on 'accepted' drug use and 'unaccepted' drug use. The self-image issues were also overblown, masked with 'trippy' surreal scenes and corny over-acting. The fake "New Yawk" accents were also horrible. I have to say I laughed throughout this whole movie. I just found it so patronizing and comical that my only reaction was endless laughter.
The only thing that saved this movie was the amazing camera-work. It seems like Aronofsky (with this movie and also Pi) can direct the cameraman and edit much, much better than he can direct actors. Either they under act or they overact.. the characters are just never believable, thus there is no way I can ever identify with them. Disbelief is not suspended and immersion in the otherwise powerful imagery is made impossible. Maybe Aronofsky was trying to do archetypes, which makes unbelievable characters like Special Agent Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks so wonderful and memorable. The thing is, Lynch can do powerful imagery AND get powerful performances out of his actors. Aronofsky just falls on his face trying to be Lynch.