MovieChat Forums > Happy Here and Now (2002) Discussion > Fantastic, thought-provoking, beautiful

Fantastic, thought-provoking, beautiful

posted 19 years ago by dyew2
3 replies | jump to latest

Saw this film last night in L.A., part of a program called "Films that Got Away" of undistributed films at the Egyptian, and was very impressed. In response to Suzie-Trew-from-Texas' comments, I think of Jean Renoir's quote (some attribute it to Ernst Lubitsch I think): if I want to send a message, I'll send a telegram. If you're looking for a conventionally "engrossing story" or a film that telegraphs or beats you over the head with obvious messages and themes (with all plot lines tidily summed up and tied in neat bows at the end), you won't like this film. But if you're looking for something truly original, mysterious and experimental in the best sense, this might be for you. A rep from IFC (the film's producer) said there are plans to try and resuscitate this film this winter or early next year - partly with screenings at the IFC theater in New York, pay-per-view, and a possible DVD release. I think it's depressing that such a fine movie has not been seen for almost (or over?) 3 years now.

[–] tjbraune 18 years ago

Amen, dyew2. I just watched this movie tonight with my cousin/roommate and we were both blown away by the not only great acting, cinematography, and music, but primarily by the screenplay, which is completely original and one of the most interesting I've seen in some time. Why do audiences automatically disregard a movie if they can't "get it" by the credits?

[–] hafaball-1 18 years ago

I did like it. Great acting all around. It was moody, great cinematography, but I just didn't get it. The thing I got about it was we're all alone in this world and only conputers bring us together. I didn't get how the missing sister worked into the story, only that her sister was trying to find her. This reminded me of Code 46 a bit. Which I also didn't get that much, but I think I liked this movie better.

Beyond Infinite...

[–] marcpl087 14 years ago

I think Im in the same boat here. I really enjoyed this movie. I know there is something there because I felt that I was watching a thing of substance and I wanted more, but if you were to ask what this film was about I'd just have to look at you with wide eyes and shrug my shoulders. I have to watch this again and see if I can find some sort of meaning in the story or some general idea breathing beneath the images and sound. I hate reading or hearing people say that they loved the film and that they loved the message, yet they treat it as if its some secret that only the truly conscious can see. I know thats not their intention but my frustration only allows me to see myself as alienated from the group. Either way I'm gonna watch this again with my third eye open and hopefully come away with a little something more then an air of quality.