What a total stinker this film is - the dialogue is trite and the characters self-pitying bemoaning their "loss of freedom" cries for a screenwriter of talent.
This film really gives the midlife crisis a bad name. At least there are a few redeeming moments of Terence Stamp (a genuine actor).
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Anyone who uses the word’s "trite" or "bemoaning" instantly looses all credibility with me.
That woman deserves her revenge... and we deserve to die.
Even though I liked the film quite a lot from the beginning, I agree that a few of the lines are pretty trite. I also agree that Terence was great, although I am a big fan of Gary Cole and Sheryl Lee and they were a pleasure to watch.
I did get a lot out of the film though. I think with the subject matter it can be hard to avoid some cliches and wishy washy philosophy. But it really is minimal and I would suggest that others watch at least a couple of minutes to see for themselves.
This type of film also works best when people are in a certain stage in their lives, and perhaps better for those who need a break from their usual mode of thought for a gentler, slower paced, outside-the-box look at existance.
ditto. it is amazing how the video watching (by the truck load), fast food eating and sensual self seeking so readily label those who seek a simpler life or turn inward to find inner truths as "self indulgent" and none of their fast pleasures ever bring more than a moments satisfaction - even films such as this...
while some of the lines are trite others were quite rewarding particularly those comments of the Zen monk which rang not just true but profund even from the perspective one who walks the path...
the theme of searching for something other than oneself whether that be outward material treasures or innner not so "self indulgent" ones pervades the human condition and not just films of this sort but, in the former sense, those such as the search for eldorado or solomon's mine's, love, success etc. etc.
i had the distinct and prophetic impression as i read the first poster comments that he may yet be reincarnated in a subsequent life as a "turd", or indeed, perhaps he already was in a previous one. ;-)
I know it's been months since anybody typed anything on this subject, but I must stop in and agree with you. I am a fan of Gary Cole and rented this movie because of him. Boy, what a freakin' disappointment! Very disturbing.
shareI like to think of this movie as an experiment that didn't quite hit the bullseye. The conversation about two thirds into the movie between the men and woman about what women want from men is dead on though. If you watch this movie, concentrate on that and forget the rest. But--I thought the scenery was quite nice and soothing.
I'm one of those who think two men would find it very difficult if not impossible to share a woman on a permanent basis. Competition and all that would make the relationship problematic. "But you love him more than you love me." or "You spent an hour in bed with him and only forty-five minutes with me." heh.
I don't think that this film is perfect, can anyone say a film truly 'flawless'?
I do feel that in spite of the 'search for lost youth' vs. 'the responsible average life'. Many people of genders can and do have the tendancy to look back at their youth and see that through rose-colored glasses or maybe that should be drug fogged eyes? Either way, the film seemed to me at least, speak of people making choices, good and bad, while having to live with those decisions and their effects on themselves and everyone around them.
That's what I got from the film and wonderful performance by William Petersen.
I feel this movie will only relate to people who are of a certain maturity level. There must be some life experiences before one can appreciate to the subject matter.
the idea was good, the topics of conversation were very true to life, and it wasn't over the top, or overly dramatic.
AMERICAN BEAUTY comes to mind when thinking of "mid-life-crisis" done stylishly!
That's the only thing this movie lacked; More subtilty, more style, defined ending.
All that being said...i do think this movie was good, and not too many out there quite like it.
"If the milk turns out to be sour, I ain't the kinda pussy to drink it" - Rory Breaker (Lock'Stock)
I agree with those that say this was a good flick and I have recommend it to other people.
~What if this is as good as it gets!~
For myself only, I've never been disappointed by anything done by William Petersen. He's a brilliant stage trained actor who gives 1000% to all the characters he's ever played. If he's given a less than stellar script, director, or whatever one can't blame him or his fellow actors for being stuck in a poor working situation. Any person no matter what type of work they do, often has to do the job they are given to the best of their abilities. This is the same for actors, even if Petersen is now well known because of CSI, he still had to take jobs at one point to pay the rent and care for his daughter like anyone else.
As for the quality of the film, I enjoyed it even if was a rather sad story of two men searching for a 'lost youth' or 'paradise' in some sense. I would've rather seen just Petersen with the ladies than a 3-way with Gary Cole, nothing against the guy, I just prefer William Petersen.
Absolutely...the male equivalent of a chick flick. Whining drivel.
I'm not that proud of everything I've done, but I'm not that ashamed, either.
Not too bad a movie in fact - it takes all kinds and none can please everyone.
I agree that it takes a certain maturity to appreciate this attempt at dealing with a difficult topic and it is not the most brilliantly written script. It could even be considered a "B grade" movie but it tries to deal with real issues amongst which is an attempt to break out of narcissism.
Strange how both the most negative commentators have the word "rock" in their handle. Is it synchronicity or coincidence or is that one and the same?
I don't believe the person who started this thread even understood the issues raised by this movie except perhaps at the most base level - sex and drugs (and Sheryl Lee?)!
No disrespect intended - you are asleep. Sweet dreams.
BTW it is 2.30 am now and I am not drunk or even drinking.
Although Kiss the Sky does begin to feel prolonged in its latter stages, it does well in exploring its theme and is not at all pretentious as some on this thread believe. The mid-life crisis experience both protagonists have, leading into discussions on everyone's place in life, is well explored and supported by quality acting.
I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.