Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Synecdoche New York - review - by Robert Kolar


Synecdoche New York is an ambitious piece lost within a swirl of great ideas that tend to go nowhere. Despite some great performances (namely Samantha Morton and Catherine Keener) there doesn't seem to be much of an arch to the whimsical tale. It seems Kauffman is indulged by his 'spaghetti bowl' of ideas and splashes them into an intricate collage of ambiguity. His imagery and dream-scape seem ungrounded, undeveloped and as a result feel unconsummated. It's as if Kauffman was trying to stuff every innovative, unexpected, or esoteric idea he hasn't (or... has) used into one film. With more focus and a developed arch for Seymour Hoffman's character this piece would have a lot more to offer. Sadly, Seymour Hoffman spends basically the whole movie in despair or tears. As always he gives a believable and realist performance but ends up being a bit monotone with the direction and writing. Visually, the film is triumphant. The photography and aesthetics are strong and engaging. For most of the film I felt engulfed by curiosity and playful optics. However, without the proper development and fluidity of storyline I was left deprived of anything substantial to take with me. Read into it all however you like but it for me it unraveled into an artsy hodge podge (and I usually love that sort of thing). Kauffman is endlessly talented but should possibly keep things slightly simpler and centered. Maybe using several strong mind bending ideas as opposed dozens that scatter like lost marbles.