I think the fact that this movie seems to have received reactions ranging from outright praise through to total contempt will probably save it from languishing in a sea of mediocrity.
Sadly, it is a little mediocre compared to two of his previous efforts - 'Welcome to the Dollhouse' and 'Happiness' - both of which had a few more endearing qualities.
Not that this a terrible film by any means. The first story is prepared to tackle a controversial subject, and it does it honestly and takes no prisoners. I found that to be good filmmaking, even though I found it a little laborious at times dialogue-wise.
Perhaps the second longer story is a little more punchy, but frankly it doesn't work as well. There's some great performances and some wonderfully dark humor to sustain the piece, but on the whole it seems a little flat. It has its moments - Solondz's characters are satirical figures after all, there's a few digs at other 'suburban malaise' movies, and there's a message here for sure... just quite what that message is, I'm not sure. The first story certainly had a bang to it, the second kind of fades out with a whimper.
Nevertheless, Solondz is still streets ahead of many directors out there. Controversial, at times, yes, but there are others who have been as controversial for sure. Comedic, definitely - I think perhaps Solondz could be a master of the blackest type of comedy ever.
Too bad then that 'Storytelling' doesn't quite hit it off completely. It's still compelling for sure, and it's brutally honest, it seems like it could be an 'important' movie, but it's no masterpiece.
Sadly, it is a little mediocre compared to two of his previous efforts - 'Welcome to the Dollhouse' and 'Happiness' - both of which had a few more endearing qualities.
Not that this a terrible film by any means. The first story is prepared to tackle a controversial subject, and it does it honestly and takes no prisoners. I found that to be good filmmaking, even though I found it a little laborious at times dialogue-wise.
Perhaps the second longer story is a little more punchy, but frankly it doesn't work as well. There's some great performances and some wonderfully dark humor to sustain the piece, but on the whole it seems a little flat. It has its moments - Solondz's characters are satirical figures after all, there's a few digs at other 'suburban malaise' movies, and there's a message here for sure... just quite what that message is, I'm not sure. The first story certainly had a bang to it, the second kind of fades out with a whimper.
Nevertheless, Solondz is still streets ahead of many directors out there. Controversial, at times, yes, but there are others who have been as controversial for sure. Comedic, definitely - I think perhaps Solondz could be a master of the blackest type of comedy ever.
Too bad then that 'Storytelling' doesn't quite hit it off completely. It's still compelling for sure, and it's brutally honest, it seems like it could be an 'important' movie, but it's no masterpiece.