Charile Kaufman recently came out with his best work yet with "Synecdoche, New York." Previous movies that Kaufman wrote include "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Being John Malkovich," and "Adaptation." However this time Kaufman not only wrote the script, he directed it as well. His debut was excellent. His cinematography and vision were of the same caliber as most highly experienced directors. Plus, with the ability to direct his own script, nothing is lost in translation by other directors. This allows the movie to be exactly as Kaufman wanted to portray when he wrote it, as opposed to another director having to interpret his script.
But don't go into this movie expecting to be hit with an epiphany like Eternal Sunshine. Synecdoche has no solid theme for the audience to grasp onto, unlike the rest of Kaufman's films. This movie will leave you confused, frustrated, depressed, joyful, or peaceful. That is the true beauty of this film. I was fortunate enough to sit in an interview with Kaufman, which helped take away the frustration that I had from watching the movie. He explained how the movie does not have a concrete theme or meaning, because he wants the audience to be able to interpret the movie however they see fit. This allows the movie's meaning to conform to the life of each individual that watches. So when watching this film, don't try to follow everything closely so as to discover how the pieces all fit together. Rather, let the film take you wherever you mind needs to go.
Synecdoche is playing in select theaters across America. If the opportunity arises, take advantage of it and see this movie. If it arises again, see it twice. The second time seeing it is even better and more fulfilling than the first. It is hands down the best movie I have seen all year. Yes, that includes Dark Knight. Added is one of the songs from the film. Alyssa is in love with it.
Jon Brion- Little Person (zshare)
Bradley Dangerous
