Great Ideas via Hollywood Inc.

Rating: 6/10 (3 September 2006)

Is this film Hollywood? Yes. The shot structure is rather characteristic of plot-driven Hollywood style and all the traditional elements are there. But, I'm willing to forgive the subtle romantic subplot, the classic one-liners, and the lack of confidence in the viewer for a sufficient grasp of complexity and praise it for its daring. This film is a play on the parody of our times, and is, by all means, worth seeing. Do they drive the "message" in too deep, yes. Several of the senseless melodramatic elements (especially towards the end) could have been omitted, leaving something that would make a much greater impact. (Watching this film you can clearly see how the Hollywood formula was slapped on it with little regard to maintaining the integrity and intensity of the script.) Anyhow, I applaud the Wachowski brothers for approaching a construct of American issues with a nazistic/communistic sensibility that could have only been gained through generational experience of both Eastern Europe and the US. In short, go see this film, and don't be afraid to take bathroom breaks after the first half.