Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by PdL (A) on November 05, 2005 at 12:50:51

Watched this latest Gus Van Sant flick last night. I had a very tough time getting through the first 20 minutes. Probably this was due to a series of very long shots, very limited action and almost no dialog. (Sounds like a real barn burner doesn't it?) However, after forcing myself to continue to watch, I suddenly realized (much to my surprise) that I had watched about 2/3 of the movie. I don't know if I became engrossed with the style and tone of the film or if I had developed some empathy for the protagonist (Blake/Kurt Cobain)..... but whatever it was I rode it out till the end. And even though the ending of the main character's life is already known from the start of the film, I found the movie both disturbing and depressing. I mean, the film moved me much more (in those directions) than I had assumed it would, even though I went into it knowing the content wasn't exactly uplifting.

This film is far from the typical, romantic look at the "artist" as a clash of creative spirit and wreckless, self-destructive behavior. If you are so inclined to watch Last Days, keep in mind that it does get more engaging after the first 20 minutes. At least, that was my experience.