This independent film is a soap opera that dares to tread in some heretofore unexplored places. Loosely, it follows a dysfunctional family through a variety of perverse situations. There's a lot of masturbation, as well as other types of scenes played for shock value, and lots of twists and turns to the plot. There's also some incredibly good acting and directing.
However, the director, Todd Solondz, didn't seem to quite know whether to play this film for comedy or pathos and most of it is not funny, just sick and depressing. It moves too slow and is too long and even though the characters are interesting, they're cardboard cartoon sorry versions of human beings. Like other recent independent films, small parts are played by name people --Ben Gazarra, Louise Lasser and Marla Maples. None of their performances are noteworthy. However, the rest of the cast is excellent.
Interesting, but not memorable, and certainly not for everyone.
However, the director, Todd Solondz, didn't seem to quite know whether to play this film for comedy or pathos and most of it is not funny, just sick and depressing. It moves too slow and is too long and even though the characters are interesting, they're cardboard cartoon sorry versions of human beings. Like other recent independent films, small parts are played by name people --Ben Gazarra, Louise Lasser and Marla Maples. None of their performances are noteworthy. However, the rest of the cast is excellent.
Interesting, but not memorable, and certainly not for everyone.