I can see why the movie is getting a lot of hype, especially by Hollywood. There's a lot going on in this movie, and I don't think everyone will enjoy it...it's not really "for" everyone. there are a lot of scenes that play out like little vignettes of a bigger story...and it's very theatrical, which goes in line with its plot revolving around a play. some of it reminded me of my own experiences in theatre.

The film has dark humor, social commentary (a lot of jokes about twitter and going viral), and also the duality of being an actor. there's a great line about being so genuine on stage but such a fraud in real life.

for keaton's character, thomson, he's caught between two worlds as an actor and as a man. there's a surreal feel to the whole film as it weaves in and out of his consciousness and the consciousness of the film itself.

sound pretentious? it is. i liked it though. i thought the final scene was a bit unnecessary even though for some it will be "mind blowing". anyone who says that, though, is just trying to be cool and enlightened. it's really not that important. the film's conclusion is fairly obvious enough, and the film is straight forward in its premise and its theme enough that it doesn't need such an ambiguous finish.

the performances are very good, of course. keaton should get the oscar. norton was great, watts is always good, and even emma stone put in a good performance as the recovering druggie daughter of keaton's character thomson.

there are some laughs, some moments of "huh? yeah" and there's some dramatic tension too. but overall it is a big exercise in style, and only if you are willing to open your mind and dissect it will it be a truly satisfying experience. if you're looking for something simple and fun, you will most likely be disappointed. you'll find it boring, over the top, and lame.

i give it a thumbs up though.

out of

I heard that they do a lot of extended scenes uncut with camera moving along which I think I would find
interesting. Not sure if that is true or not.

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Flew too close to the sun on wings of pastrami

Really liked this movie. Keaton is awesome.

yeah, that scene where the guy the guy put too much butter on his popcorn was gut wrenching

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Is there anything after the credits foreshadowing the next Avengers?

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Zach, hate to be the truth bearer, but no one here is surprised by that statement.

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This was one of the better movies I have seen in a while. I cannot accurately describe what I saw as I think it will take a few viewings to take in its complexities.

At its very base, this is as good of a collective job of acting that I may have ever seen. Everyone is great. Zack didn't mention Galiafanakis, who disappears in his role as the producer. The theater critic was also fantastic.

The story is layered and nuanced. There is no way to encapsulate it by saying "this is a story about...". Whatever you say, it is far more.

I would say that the overarching theme is stage v. movie as an art. It bounces back and forth with an appreciation for both.

The movie laughs at its own pretentions.

I have absolutely no idea what is the meaning of the end. I agree with Zack that it is unnecessary. I guess we are supposed to believe that he is indeed, special...or maybe not. Maybe he is dead and it is his soul that is free.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

the movie feels like a stage play, too...there are tons of monologues. this will be the iGeneration's go-to book when these brats get out of columbia and IO to start auditioning for stuff.

Just saw it. Liked it. Didn't love it. Not an all time great. Was expecting more based on the reviews I've heard. I did like the way it was shot. They gave you a insight look of how the theater works.