Directed By: Richard Linklater
Written By: Steven Belber (Based on his play)
Cinematography By: Maryse Alberti
Editor: Sandra Adair
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Uma Thurman
Based on a three-character, one-act play, Tape is set entirely in Room 19 of a seedy motel in Lansing, Michigan rented by Vince, a ill-tempered, outgoing party animal/drug dealer who's visited by his old high school friend Jon, a documentary filmmaker, where they pass the time reminiscing about the good old times which take a turn when Vince records their conversation with Jon admitting to a possible date-rape of Vince's old girlfriend Amy, who later shows up and opens up a new wave of talk and arguments about whose story is fact or fabricated.
Depending on how you like your indie cinema is how much you are going like this film. It is almost filmed like a filmed play. As it is filmed in long takes in a single location, With very few cast members. It was also one of the first films made with a digital camera.
This is a film that is best to go into with limited knowledge. It is a film that is better to discover as it goes along. There are plenty of about faces, Double crosses and shocks. The reason I like this movie is that it is in a closed space and dialogue that strips away the characters façade to reveal more about them. It penetrates you at the same time. You care about the characters and begin to wonder about their Psyche’s and actions. Another reason I like the film is that to a certain extent nothing is resolved, but there is sense of closure. There are only three characters and two of them are in every scene, yet each actor get’s a chance to shine. In act 1 Ethan Hawke shines, Act 2 Robert Sean Leonard Act 3 Uma Thurman doing some of the best acting of her career.
This film is truly monumental for me. It doesn’t look the best, but that only makes the situations seem more realistic. The film is also experimental in nature. IT was filmed in one weekend and once it came out. It seemed to come out of nowhere with no advance word or advertisement. Before this film none of the actors struck me as either deep or noticeable good actors. This film definitely changed my opinion it showed range, Skill and talent. Robert Sean Leonard always came across as a waspy light weight. Here he shows he has strength as an actor. Uma Thurman shows she is more then a pretty face and can be quite manipulative instead of just ethereal. Ethan Hawke shows how at times he is a chameleon blending in the background and showing his true colors just before an attack.
The film is set in a motel room and it isn’t even a real one it is actually a soundstage. That is how realistic it looks.
This film is directed by Richard Linklater a director who never ceases to amaze. Because just when you believe he is coasting after making a few clunkers (Bad News Bears (Remake) The Newton Boys) that seemed more like artiface with very little care. He comes out with a movie like this or BEFORE SUNRISE that are so deeply moving and beautiful. It’s impossible to believe this film is from the same director. He’s like a pop artist. Commercial but at times shows a surprising amount of depth. It amazes me that Richard Linklater always calls himself a lazy director. When it seems that every other film he makes is itself a masterpiece. His films don’t really call attention to themselves technically, but are well made that you can easily lose yourself in. That remind you of the 1970’s aesthetic. Where the films were about artistry more then trying to just make a buck. The films of that period seemed more about personal expression and artistry.
GRADE: A-
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