Synecdoche, New York

[mikejet]

So Ebert just named this the best film of the decade. BTW, #2 was The Hurt Locker

I have not seen this yet but have seen Malcovich, Adaptation, and Eternal Sunshine.

It's in my Netflix queue and I'll be watching it when I get home(instant streaming FTW).

Have you seen it? What are your thoughts?

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by mikejet

So Ebert just named this the best film of the decade. BTW, #2 was The Hurt Locker

I have not seen this yet but have seen Malcovich, Adaptation, and Eternal Sunshine.

It's in my Netflix queue and I'll be watching it when I get home(instant streaming FTW).

Have you seen it? What are your thoughts?

You should post his list--it will likely garner more discussion. It was an interesting read.

[Starbreaker]

It was one of my favorite films of 2008, but I don't think it's anywhere near my favorite film of the decade. It definitely deserves a rewatch, though.

[Trogdor2010]

Synedoche, New York is an excellent movie about the joy of life, as expressed by a theater director. It comunicates within the moments of everyday life and ages with the experience, it's almost as if a part of you is similar to him no matter who you are. It's almost dream-like within each minute of the production. I want to see it again (I rented it) for the experience.

[progers13]

Never heard of it. Guess I need to read up on it.

[doctorsteve]

Originally Posted by mikejet

So Ebert just named this the best film of the decade. BTW, #2 was The Hurt Locker

I have not seen this yet but have seen Malcovich, Adaptation, and Eternal Sunshine.

It's in my Netflix queue and I'll be watching it when I get home(instant streaming FTW).

Have you seen it? What are your thoughts?

I watched it about 4 times within the week I saw it. Watched it, bought it, watched twice more, then watched it with commentary...

A unique film, many layers to it, and each one affects the layer above. A flower that gets sweeter as each round of petals expands. A remarkable film and Ebert is spot on to give it such a high accolade. Many, many, many people will disagree. Those who do not like the Coens and Wes Anderson will probably not like this.

[jsteinhauer]

Synecdoche is about how movie makers think they are way more important in the grand scheme of things than they really are...Like God creating life. It's a work of arrogance and snobbery. I found it offensive. Don't let me dissuade you from watching it, though. As you see, not all share my opinion.

[doctorsteve]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

Synecdoche is about how movie makers think they are way more important in the grand scheme of things than they really are...Like God creating life. It's a work of arrogance and snobbery. I found it offensive. Don't let me dissuade you from watching it, though. As you see, not all share my opinion.

That's an interesting reaction since ANY TV show, movie, play or piece of music is a product of creation and so to take offense at a movie (or the characters/actions of characters in a movie) that depicts one mans creative process seems, well... interesting.

I equate it to telling a Chef - "Look at how smug you are, making this perfect beef wellington!" as you eat it. I really don't understand how you mean what you said, but am interested in hearing more.

I DO understand what you mean about some folks being so self-important as if writing a song or a play is somehow as important as curing cancer, but still - it's about one man trying to leave his mark and do something important and meaningful. As arrogant as it may be to think his little piss-ant play means anything in the grand scheme, it certainly means something to him. His view is decidedly solipsistic, until he comes to appreciate the connection everybody has to each other - how every single person can be a character in everybody else's story, even if we're just walking through the background.

If you haven't, I'd recommend a second viewing...

Cheers,

Doc

[toef]

I've yet to see Synedoche, New York, but considering Ebert put The Hurt Locker at #2, I don't think putting S,NY at #1 means much.

Then again, I don't really know what I'd call the top movies of the decade. I think it'd be something like:

1. Lord of the Rings (combined into one)
2. The Lives of Others

And then who knows what for #3. Maybe Million Dollar Baby, or Downfall, or The Pianist.

They're just opinions anyway, so it doesn't really matter I guess.

[vegeta88]

Just a warning, this movie depressed the heck out of me when I saw it. I had to go to school right after watching it and as I was driving I was thinking 'What's the point? Why should we even try?' Yes that is a bit extreme but it is a very depresing movie. Really really well done though.

[doctorsteve]

Originally Posted by vegeta88

Just a warning, this movie depressed the heck out of me when I saw it. I had to go to school right after watching it and as I was driving I was thinking 'What's the point? Why should we even try?' Yes that is a bit extreme but it is a very depresing movie. Really really well done though.

YES! an incredibly visceral reaction... when else have you become so invested or feel so bad for a character?

[thdeanmachine]

I liked this movie a lot but I have a hard time watching it. I saw it in theaters and when I left the theater I just felt depressed. The more I thought about it over the week the more I liked it. This movie leaves me with so many mixed feelings and I think that is what makes it great.

[mikejet]

So I watched it last night with my wife....kind of a lot to take in. I think I need to watch it again. Maybe two more times.

I felt like I was watching something similar to watching Mullholland Dr. It had those moments where you don't really know what's going on. Like the burning house. Or why the guy followed him for so long.

I need to watch it again.