PERFECT PARTNER (2005) *** I've never seen anything like it, and I'm positive that I can't describe it. I guess my point of reference would be seeing an opening band for Rock 'n' Roll High School in some broken down wooden theater in a bad part of Seattle where they served beer to kids (which was cool). This is that, kind of, grown up and resplendent with multiple and mutated neuroses; caustic and angry and mutually deriding history. There are two giant transparency screens running film, and a live band in the middle. Kim Gordon and Jim O'Rourke of Sonic Youth, Tim Barnes, and two people playing computers. Onscreen(s) Michael Pitt and Jamie Bochert seem immobilized as fate and the script move around them advertising automobiles as sex and freedom, take me for a test drive, beware of every other character in the film, and if only they could make it to the beach, something about his mother. The band improvs lightly for the most part, roaring to life for songs at selected interludes at which point they eclipse the film proper, to varying degrees in a maelstrom of sonic precision. It' one of those things where there are no right or wrong interpretations and responses, only authentic ones and lies, and one of the things that really jumped out at me is how much more effective Barnes was during the improv sessions than the computers. Absolutely brilliant percussionist playing funsies in cosmic snow.
back to Brilliant Observations on 1776 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your novel!