Magnolia (1999)

Review By Tim"Big Bright Shing Star"Norfolk

Filethirteen scenester Tim Norfolk saw "Magnolia" at the Harry Knowles Butt-Numb-a-Thon in December and filed this report:

For anyone who's ever said that everything's been done--there is "Magnolia," the brilliant new film by Paul Thomas Anderson (director of Boogie Nights and Hard Eight).

This time of year it's not too uncommon for the "Critics" to carelessly throw around words like "unflinching" and "uncompromising" and to tag them to this movie and that. Because, that's right, it's "Oscar time." And even though "Magnolia" has the hype and the pull, it's name was almost not existent at this year's Golden Globe nominations. Now, there's a part of me that despises this and wants blood. But then there's another side that says, I'm not sure what to think. I know it was a great film, it was entertaining and just plain badass. But, I'm not sure whether it was the best film of the year. And I wish I could tell you that very thing, but the truth is I can't. I think the main reason behind these feelings is the bitter cynicism that's been driven into my soul by the years most over hyped and disappointing fare ("Eyes wide Shut," "Bringing out the Dead," "The Messenger" and "Sleepy Hollow" to name a few). I mean, I wasn't sure I liked "American Movie" until Lodger bitch slapped some since into me, but now I'm back on track.

Anyhow, "Magnolia" is possibly the most ambiguous choice of the pack. On the one hand, if it even gets nominated at Oscar time, then I'm happy because I know those nominations are justified. And, if, on the other if it isn't, then perhaps it can fall into the forever branded niche of the year's most under appreciated film, a genre whose past alumni include such master works as "Raging Bull" and even "Pulp Fiction" and, well, "Boogie Nights." But, why that overlooking might happen to "Magnolia," I have no idea.

Like the others "Magnolia" is built around strong characters that we don't mind meeting no matter how ugly they may seem. The performers are equally as strong as the characters they play. The pacing is fierce and the structure is intricate. Some will compare it to "Pulp Fiction." Those who do are perhaps only half-wrong. Because even "Pulp" is calm by comparison. "Magnolia" is sort of like "what if 'Pulp Fiction' were directed by Robert Altman." (Or perhaps it's more like "Short Cuts" directed by Tarintino). It has the same bad boy "I'll do whatever the fuck I want" attitude of Tarantino, but also the maturity to know when to shut the fuck up and let the characters have their moments. Our definition for what is complex has now been reduced to mere charcoal sketches and wire framing.

At it's most basic, what I will give away is this: It is a complex story about a couple of simple strangers who may or may not be able to help resolve one another's pain.

For all those who have already foolishly proclaimed the year's best, you're days are numbered because the revolution's back on the burner and the future of cinema is going to boil, where the boundaries of genre and style lie shattered on the blacktop asphalt of America. This film doesn't "try" to be original per se, like "Being John Malkovich." It's more about taking you along for the most whacked out and explosive ride through things that you've probably seen before. But then it has the balls to actually show you that it has a heart and depth.

Now, I'm not gonna tell you anything that happens, not a word. I was very privileged to have had it christianed on my face at the Harry Knowles' BUTT-NUMB-A-THON. And since it was so special, I just want to return the favor somehow to the man, Mr. P.T. Anderson. And I think by keeping my mouth shut I'd be doing just that.

So, on with the stuff you probably know. Tom Cruise is extraordinary. I mean the cast is without flaw in my opinion, but he has the most to work against to make his character believable and he pulls it off. You know, I've heard that his role was only a cameo originally, forty-five seconds of screen time, and P.T. liked it so much that it's become the monster that just may be the centerpiece of the entire film. OH MAN AND THAT ENDING - yeah right, not here baby. If you want that then you go on over to "E!" television. So there!

You'll have your world rocked. Take your mom, dad, grandma, (okay maybe not grandma) to see "Magnolia: Almost anyone would love it, because it is hands down a very fine film. And for those of you who have no idea of what you've just read then, let me lay it out for you like every other film critic has: "'MAGNOLIA' IS AN UNCOMPROMISING AND UNFLINCHING FILM OF RAW ENERGY AND EMOTION... THAT IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST FILM OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM"

There. Now are ya in?