Inherent Vice Review

Of Vice And Men

I had heard a lot of things about Inherent Vice prior to finally seeing it yesterday afternoon, namely about how, depending on who you talked about, the film was incoherent, too long or it was a masterpiece unlike anything else you'd ever seen. I love movies that create this kind of wide range of conversation, so I eagerly anticipated the newest feature from Paul Thomas Anderson, as if I wasn't already after seeing that impeccable trailer.

What I find kind of interesting about Vice is how, contrary to the buzz I heard, I found it to be a perfectly coherent film. The stories not a simple one, but then again, why should all stories adhere to simplicity? The primary drive of the story is Doc (Joaquin Phoenix), whose search for answers after an impromptu visit from his ex-girlfriend Shasta (Katherine Watterson) lead him to things that are way, way out of his depth. I should also note that the plot is enhanced by narration from Joanna Newsom, whose dialogue I assume is all from the novel the movie is based on (I haven't read the book). This tactic helps add a dash of personality to the film, as well as recall The Muppets Christmas Carol's tactic of using Gonzo to bring Charles Dickens text to the feature.

The journey Doc takes as things spiral more and more out of control is a very compelling one, especially since the screenplay written by Paul Thomas Anderson is remarkably adept at the way it balances out its pathos with moments of farcical levity. Rarely do the two elements clash in an unsatisfactory manner, leaving time for Josh Brolin to use various foods in a phallic manner and moments that show off the characters vulnerability. It's a deft balancing act for sure, but one Anderson handles like a charm for a majority of the film.

Even when scenes wander on too long, Anderson shows skills behind the camera, reinforcing his visual prowess. He, along with heavy help from the likes of cinematography by Robert Elswit and costume designs from Mark Bridges, make the 70's environment the film takes place in a more than stimulating one to experience. I also like how the knack the movie has for visual gags, namely a simply shot of Doc sitting in his kitchen with an assortment of packages of drugs stacked on chairs and the counter.

That all being said, Inherent Vice isn't perfect, Like I said, scenes have a tendency to drag on, as if Anderson couldn't tear himself away from certain dialogue exchanges. Plus, certain characters, namely ones played by Owen Wilson and Benicio Del Toro, feel underutilized, which is a shame considering the talents of these two actors. But Anderson uses Phoenix, who starred in Andersons last film The Master, expertly as a guide through this age of escape and drugs. This time period is depicted with more than an air of wistfulness, which the movies best sequence, a flashback of Doc and Shasta in the rain, epitomizing the movies complex and riveting emotional tendencies.