Written & Directed By: Todd Solondz Cinematography: Stefan Czapsky Editor: Peter Austin, Emily Paine & Barry Rubinow
Cast: Todd Solondz, Max Cantor, Alexandra Gersten, Jane Hamper, Stanley Tucci, Anne De Salvo, Jill Wisoff, Kathleen Gati
Ira is a nervous playwright waiting and hoping to succeed with his art, which he takes it very seriously. But following his dreams and ambitions isn't something easy to do, especially when he has to consider the points of view his family, his artist friends and his girlfriend will provide to him whenever he exposes his incomprehensible works of art.
Finally Got a chance to see writer/director Todd Solondz's long-lost (for me) first film. This Great white whale of mineHe has disavowed the film Claiming he felt like creative control was taken away from him.
One might en able to see why. Even though it isn’t a train wreck. It is actually entertaining in a goofy, surrealistic way. It still has the same themes as his later films. Exactly what the title lets you know.
Only here he is the star as with his early Short films. It’s hard not to think that these films are autobiographical. As this ends a one of era again and he Never appears in any of his films ever again.
As in future films, there seems to either be surrogates or he just writes more for ensembles and wanted to make films about characters and less making it seem about himself.
This film obviously Comes out Indebted to Woody Allen as his character is definitely like one of Woody's, a man who seems to be romantic and constantly Full of anxiety, nebbish, and strives for more. Who isn’t happy in his current life and then once he loses it realizes how good he had it.
Though not as grand in scope this film reminds me of a lower-budgeted I HEART HUCKABEES more for it’s zany surreal comedic bits at times and its lightness and bitter comedic tone.
As most of the characters talk about being real artists but are aloof and pretentious and either needy or predatory.
Junk is the perfect femme fatale. As she let’s you know what she is all about but the lead character stays enamored of her for her looks and what he eyes as tough attitude when she is just rude. Though He thinks her mysterious as she is the type of person he has never encountered. So she is all new to him. Treating him badly but he keeps coming back for more.
While he treats a woman who is head over heel for him badly the same way junk treats him.
He is a character. Struggling play-write who constantly seems to lose while those around him keep seeming to become successful. Like a high school Friend who decided to write as a hobby become the toast of Broadway. While he gets a bad review in the village voice that everyone seems To read.
Or his best friend who hates his writing but encourages him. Who always seems To date or seduce whoever he seems to be interested in or pining for.
Even when junk Offers herself to him sexually he Messes it all up before he can go through with the deed. Or when he gets the girl
Of his dreams how she seems to Tolerate him but still Pine for her asshole ex. He seems to bring this misery at times upon himself.
Though no matter what it never becomes completely depressing as the film Keeps the mood and material goofy and silly. Even though it offers up a sad ending it ends with a little hope. That includes a rare happy ending.
So while a sadder woody Allen-Ish film a pleasing one and fascinating to see where his career began and seeing the seeds of future films and style.
The film also has a nice look at classic New York around 1989 mainly Greenwich village before it Became so gentrified
I can identify with him and his films as I feel like what I write is similar and that most of my Early films or projects usually
Are more extensions of daydreams or exaggerated feelings and my self-consciousness put out there. Not to mention having humor about and bringing up uncomfortable subjects that are a part of life that involve characters trying to be good but are awkward in their own skin especially socially.
As they have Consciences here everybody seems to get by seemingly normal without realizing at times how ridiculous or Cruel they are naturally
Grade: C+
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