Having already seen a limited release in early December,
Paul Thomas Anderson’s hotly anticipated INHERENT VICE finally sees a wide
distribution this weekend. Here is everything you need to know about it:
What is this about? –
INHERENT VICE is based on the book of the same name by American novelist
Thomas Pynchon; a writer of fiction and nonfiction in many genres including
history, music, and science. The story follows a private investigator, named
“Doc”, who investigates the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend.
Who is in this? – Joaquin
Phoenix, who worked with director Paul Thomas Anderson in THE MASTER in 2012,
plays Doc. He is joined by his WALK THE LINE (2004) cast-mate Reese
Witherspoon. Also along for the ride is Josh Brolin (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN),
Owen Wilson, Benicio del Toro, Jena Malone, Martin Short, Eric Roberts, and
Katherine Waterston…who is the daughter of actor Sam Waterston.
Who is the director?
– INHERENT VICE is directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, whose directing
credits include the aforemented THE MASTER…along with the real Best Picture of
2007, THERE WILL BE BLOOD. His other works include PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE (2002),
MAGNOLIA (1999), and BOOGIE NIGHTS (1997).
Random things – The
film is the first adaptation of a Thomas Pynchon novel * Pynchon reportedly
gave the screenplay his blessing, and also makes an appearance in the film *
This is Paul Thomas Anderson’s first crack at comedy since PUNCH DRUNK LOVE *
Anderson, who writes his own scripts, began the writing process for this film
by first typing out the entire novel word-for-word, and then cutting from there
* Radiohead guitarist Johny Greenwood composed the music. Greenwood also
composed for Anderson’s THERE WILL BE BLOOD and THE MASTER.
What to expect – Starting
with the source material…Pynchon’s novel has been described as a tough nut to
crack with its complicated plot and meandering style. It’s a stoner-detective
story, so it seems we can expect a loose structure. Anderson has said that he
drew inspiration from the stoner-film Cheech & Chong’s UP IN SMOKE (1978),
detective-flicks THE BIG SLEEP (1946) and THE LONG GOODBYE (1973), and comedies
such as AIRPLANE! (1980). With that in mind, a wild ride can certainly be
expected. Anderson has also earned himself a reputation as a director that
actors want to work for, and for getting tremendous performances out of his
cast. So expect some great acting from everyone…and there is some serious
fascination with Martin Short being involved here. On top of everything else,
this Blogger has long held that Paul Thomas Anderson is the best director working today. Aside from the heaps of critical
acclaim he receives with his films, he has a bold yet simplistic style which
tells a great story and exposes the innards of his characters. Spiritual and
technically proficient, INHERENT VICE sounds like a great director having
fun…and who wouldn’t want to see that.
*
INHERENT VICE opens wide December 9th.
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