Magnolia (1999), Paul Thomas Anderson
4/5
This is a strangely elegant and melancholy character drama. While the film spans 3hrs the characters while perhaps not likeable are nonetheless compelling. The story focuses on intersecting story lines each focusing on character's family lives and personal crises. The film doesn't really follow a traditional straightforward narrative, but it is an excellent character examination with a great cast. Phillip Seymor-Hoffman is great as usual despite a relatively small role, and even Tom Cruise is good, perhaps his strength lies in playing misogynistic hyperactive assholes. Julianne Moore (Children of Men), John C. Reilly (We Need to talk about Kevin), Phillip Baker Hall (The Truman Show) and Melora Walters (The Butterfly Effect) are all great and the film's strength is really in it's talented ensemble cast. The soundtrack is amazing, not just the music itself, but the excellent editing, integration and use of the music as part of the narrative which rivals other great soundtracks like American Beauty. The film explores some intense themes particularly focusing on parental influence and relationships. Overall an intense, emotional and beautifully photographed and performed film.
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