In case you haven't heard, Old Joy has a Melbourne release date of May 3, running exclusively at the Nova Cinema. Old Joy is distributed by Accent Film Entertainment and had a short run at the Chauvel Cinema in Sydney from March 15.As described in my review of Old Joy, it's not for the average film-goer. It is a slow-moving 'contemplative' film that, like Half Nelson, is a lament for the loss of liberalism under the current conservative government in the US. I highly recommend it (4.5 stars). Quiet, ambiguous films like this (think Gus Van Sant's Gerry) usually only get a small run (if they get a release at all), and is the type of film one goes to the Melbourne International Film Festival to see. In the interests of film diversity, it behooves cinephiles to support films like this. Don't just wait for film festivals, let's support good films all year round!
SYNOPSIS (from Accent Film Entertainment)
OLD JOY is the story of two old friends, Kurt (Will Oldham) and Mark (Daniel London), who reunite for a weekend camping trip in the Cascade mountain range east of Portland, Oregon. For Mark, the weekend outing offers a respite from the pressure of his imminent fatherhood; for Kurt, it is part of a long series of carefree adventures. As the hours progress and the landscape evolves, the twin seekers move through a range of subtle emotions, enacting a pilgrimage of mutual confusion, sudden insight, and spiritual battle. When they arrive at their final destination, a hot spring in an old growth forest, they must either confront the divergent paths they have taken, or somehow transcend their growing tensions.
3 comments:
For me, this is the best film of the year so far. I saw it when it first screened at ACMI to a full house cinema. It is refreshingly original and, as you say, quietly contemplative and very subtle in its attempts to convey the loss of liberalism under Bush government. However, the film's true essence is the loss of an idyllic frienship that no matter how hard you try, you can never recapture that bond. This is a universal theme that all people can relate to. This is the sort of film where after you have seen it, you are not sure what exactly you saw but it sticks in your head for days and even weeks. I am seeing this again at Nova. Masterpiece (five stars!).
Thanks for your comments, Marty. We may have been at the same screening. The one I went to at ACMI was also full - it was the last of four screenings, on the Sunday.
I can't argue with anything you say. If you're interested, check out my original review. Both my other half and I gave it 4.5 stars.
This is still on my list of films to see. Hopefully I'll have a chance at some point soon!
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