2010-04-27

Synecdoche, New York - Charlie Kaufman (2008)


From the writer of Adaptation, Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Charlie Kaufman, comes a masterpiece directed with great mastery.

Philip Seymore Hoffman portrays Caden Cotard, a theater writer and director. He is awarded a grant to do a grandiose play that will take place in a huge warehouse. But it' the work of his life, literally. It tells his life before, his present life and even some scenes will take place in his future. This is a uncommon story from one of the most uncommon screenwriter of all-time.

The structure of the film is very deep in meaning. It is probably Kaufman's most personnal script to date too; its dense, intelligent, captivating, and intoxicating. Synecdoche, New York is sometimes the knid of film you have to read between the lines and other times the plot is evident the characters even tell themselves their motivations and anxieties. The passage through time is to the viewer to discover and instead of being annoying it just flows naturally.

Philip Seymore Hoffman is as always excellent in his role of Caden Cotard. He gives to the character his sense of desperation and inspiration. The supporting players are all inspired too and it seems that they feel privileged to be a part of the first film directed by one of the most estimated screenwriters of our time.

Besides its slow tempo Synecdoche, New York is a monument of moviemaking!


A Film Review by Michaël Parent

2 comments:

  1. Saw this film for the first time this past weekend. It was certainly a unique experience, so much so to the point that I don't even think I can give a valid opinion of the film without seeing it a second time.

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  2. I agree with you it's a unique experience. Multiple viewings is always pertinent to fully appreciate a film with these qualities.
    I look forward to have your impressions on it Danny!

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