Antitrust
(2001)
Okay, I'll admit it: I'd probably like any film with
Ryan Phillippe in it. I love this film. I love any film
where Phillippe has two (count 'em) female love interests
and yet the film ends with him single and embracing
his two male buddies in a fraternal hug. Now that's
a movie!
The plot is nothing special. In fact, in many ways
it's a complete rip-off of "The Firm." But Phillippe's
charm and acting and Tim Robbins nice essay of a Bill
Gates-like software tycoon give the film some punch.
Scripter Howard Franklin delivers some plot points in
the script which we think will lead us one way (Phillippe's
Milo is deathly allergic to sesame seeds) but which,
in fact, go on slightly more interesting turns than
expected. There is some good acting, a decent script
and some adequate direction and Phillippe. That's the
film.
At times we think the film is going to lapse into
one of those boring parties (like we have in Austin)
where geeky dot-com-er's are going to sit and discuss
code and firewalls and DSL's and IPO's all that junk
ad nauseum, but it never denigrates to deeply into this
area. The script assumes we understand the basics of
computer lingo and generally breezes over any detailed
descriptions that might be over our head. The plot's
fairly basic anyway, so no real knowledge of cyber stuff
is necessary to enjoy it. And Ryan Phillippe looks cute
with the nerdy glasses.
I thought I would hate "Antitrust." A few years back,
Douglas Coupland wrote a book called "Microserfs" that
needs to be turned into a film. I'd like to see that
instead of "Antitrust," but Hollywood would much rather
have a film about 20-somethings involved in espionage
and murder and conspiracy that Gen-X'ers involved in
cookie-cutter jobs who somehow break out of the mold
to find themselves. One day maybe the rules will change.
Until then, I'm happy to watch Phillippe play around
on the screen. He's a pretty decent actor too. Just
make sure you get there early. The opening credits features
a shot where he stretches and exposes his pale, wan,
belly and sexy navel for 2 or 3 seconds. That alone
is worth the 7 bucks.
Note:
Also with Rachael Leigh Cook, Claire Forlani, and
Richad Roundtee.
Directed by Peter Howitt who has a cameo as a homeless
man.
Bowie's "Heroes" plays in one scene; the song has
been used in computer company commercials as well.
Getting on IMDB.com and looking at the film's listings
submitted by visitors for "Trivia" and "Goofs" will
lead you to believe that many cybergeeks did indeed
see the film as they relate highly technical information
and mistakes about the film, props and plot.
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