One comment here states: "We watch as Bill's life unfolds in front of us. His dysfunctional marriage, his trysts with women patients, and so on." This is all true, but is it enough to speak of "coming apart"? There must be something more immediate, a pretext. What's Joe's problem? Anyone?
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"Coming Apart" is most definitely demeaning to women – or at least Joe certainly is – but the men don't come off very strong either. This film fascinated me at times and bored me at others, but it was a very experimental effort, reminiscent of Warhol's excesses but with a better cast.
As for his "problem," I'd say it's self-hatred masquerading as masculinity. That's of course an armchair diagnosis, but it was much deeper than this "therapist" was willing to go.
Say ... there wasn't actually a baby in Anita's stroller, was there?
I love Viveca Lindfors... Youtube has this film in it's entirety. It's in 15 segments and never misses a beat.
Whither goest thou, America, In thy shiny car in the night? ~ Jack Kerouac
Wow, this whole film is on YouTube? That's great, because it's pretty hard to find otherwise. Luckily, I was able to get at (stop me if you've heard this one before) the library.
shareSheesh... Smart-ass! Down here it's a surprise if people can spell their own names right. Sometimes they don't. You pass these rural route mailboxes and people got their names painted on the side of them in this little kid scratch&scrawl type deal. Sometimes I sware they even spell their own names wrong. That's precisely WHY I adore the South. No pretention whatsoever! I got this neighbor by the last name of "Snow". He's got a yard full of junk and two cars up on cinderblocks and a rusted mail box nailed to an old post. he calls me a yankee. I guess he's right. I mow my lawn..sometimes. Mostly I pay his grandson to mow it for 15 buks. It's a little lawn. He runs over my flowers tho.. on purpose, no doubt.. They still fighting that war down'cheer. I never cease to remind'em that they LOST THAT FUCCING WAR AND I'M THE BOOBIE PRIZE... then I re-arrange my breasts and walk off. .
..Pssst.. I fly a Confederate flag, AND I got one on my truck!
Whither goest thou, America, In thy shiny car in the night? ~ Jack Kerouac
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Hello, NicodemusAtrophy:
The fact that you watched this at least three times and want to see it again after giving it away probably means it has somewhat of a hold on you. I have to say that as much as I love experimental and independent films, this one was a chore to get through once and tested my patience constantly.
Did you see the bonus interview with the director? It didn't seem to shed any more light on Joe's condition. I was surprised to learn that all the dialogue was scripted, though, because I assume it was completely improvised. That give me much more respect for the cast (though not necessarily the writer).
Certainly this was an important film, especially when you consider the fact that it's 40 years old. But I'll be quite content if I never have to see it again. It seemed innovative in its technique, but flat in its storytelling. Of course, I could have a change of heart, but for now I highly doubt it.