I've been obsessing over this movie for far too long and I finally got to see it (in one of the freakiest little boutique theatres I hope I never have to return to). This movies is based of the short story collection by James Franco, who as I type this is probably writing a thesis on the state of cinema while directing a film, all while filming himself for a future documentary. Honestly, I've read the book Palo Alto, it's dark and it's interesting, I'll read anything by Franco, although he's not the best writer, I find him perpetually interesting. This movie really has close to nothing to do with the book though, from what I recall maybe a few nods here and there but this really is a movie of it's own.
The film follows a group of teenagers who consistently find trouble, this movie isn't plot heavy, it's a very dreamy day in the life type of film that I've always been a fan of. I absolutely loved this movie, it falls in the same vein as films I try to write, particularly Our Last Days As Children. This is exactly how I'd want my screenplay to turn out, which makes it almost painful to watch but I was so enchanted by the film that it overcame envy.
The film is so beautifully shot and plays as a dreamy nostalgic trip to lost youth. Gia Coppola (Yep, that Coppola family. Actually, you'll notice a few celebrity offspring names: Roberts, Kilmer, this movie should really just be called Nepotism) directs this film as her debut and I'm a fan. It's clear to see where her influences come from, particularly her aunt Sofia Coppola as this film is very reminiscent of The Virgin Suicides. There's actually a poster of The Virgin Suicides in one of the character's room, which is a nice little nod. This film boasts also a great synth-induced dreamy soundtrack by Devonte Hynes of Blood Orange (not the level of greatness of Air but still got an iTunes download out of me).
This is a hard film to really suggest to anyone, it's great to look at but some people will probably be turned off by the lack of story. I fell in the love with this movie from the opening scene and can't wait until it gets released on VOD. The acting was well done and I think each character's story was evenly distributed and interesting enough to care for these characters. There's these brief montage moments that I found were so delicately done and the soft focus cinematography floored me. I hope this film finds its audience because I really enjoyed it and would love to see more from Gia Coppola.
The film follows a group of teenagers who consistently find trouble, this movie isn't plot heavy, it's a very dreamy day in the life type of film that I've always been a fan of. I absolutely loved this movie, it falls in the same vein as films I try to write, particularly Our Last Days As Children. This is exactly how I'd want my screenplay to turn out, which makes it almost painful to watch but I was so enchanted by the film that it overcame envy.
The film is so beautifully shot and plays as a dreamy nostalgic trip to lost youth. Gia Coppola (Yep, that Coppola family. Actually, you'll notice a few celebrity offspring names: Roberts, Kilmer, this movie should really just be called Nepotism) directs this film as her debut and I'm a fan. It's clear to see where her influences come from, particularly her aunt Sofia Coppola as this film is very reminiscent of The Virgin Suicides. There's actually a poster of The Virgin Suicides in one of the character's room, which is a nice little nod. This film boasts also a great synth-induced dreamy soundtrack by Devonte Hynes of Blood Orange (not the level of greatness of Air but still got an iTunes download out of me).
This is a hard film to really suggest to anyone, it's great to look at but some people will probably be turned off by the lack of story. I fell in the love with this movie from the opening scene and can't wait until it gets released on VOD. The acting was well done and I think each character's story was evenly distributed and interesting enough to care for these characters. There's these brief montage moments that I found were so delicately done and the soft focus cinematography floored me. I hope this film finds its audience because I really enjoyed it and would love to see more from Gia Coppola.