Filmmaker Joe Swanberg is at the head of the independent film
movement often referred to as “mumblecore.” These films often include awkward
nudity, natural lighting and mumbling dialogue. The attempt is supposed to be
realism, but these films simply suggested that reality is both depressing and
dull. Though Alexander the Last is an
improvement on Swanberg’s previous films, Hannah
Takes the Stairs and Night and
Weekends, this is not saying much. The improvement can immediately be
attributed to Greta Gerwig’s missing presence from the cast.
This endeavor deals with a complex storyline by mumblecore
standards, though viewers unaware of the movement may still marvel that 72
minutes could move so slowly. The story involves an actress (Jesse Weixler)
married to a musician (real-life musician, Justin Rice), while also developing
feelings for her on-stage lover (Barlow Jacobs) in her latest project. At first
this relationship seems platonic, until the actress introduces her co-star to
her wildly impulsive sister (Amy Seimetz). Jealousy takes hold and feelings are
apparent.
The storyline seems to drive towards a predictable formula,
but remarkably, it resists the urge of the inevitable. Though I must respect
this decision, it doesn’t leave much of a film. There is a lot done with the
simple storyline, but I couldn’t help but wonder what the point was. The trend
of narratives with realistically portrayed characters lacks the common sense to
see that these are often people not worth spending the running time of a film
with.
How Hated List
Acting: 7/10
Direction: 6/10
Story: 9/10
Dialogue: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
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