No, it defintily doesn't suck one bit. Northfork is one of the few films I like more each time I see it (maybe 4 times now, as it's in heavy rotation on cable). I'm aware a good number of intelligent imdb users w/ otherwise great taste didn't connect with this sometimes slow and arty film but you have to let yourself get lost in it and sorta let it wash over you. It's in the category of what I call 'relaxing films' not boring, just mellow and unique. With the exception of Nolte's priest I don't find much emotional depth in the characters You don't get pulled into their unique world, you sort of observe it. Maybe it's just the films effect on me but I felt the Polish Bros sort of kept a distance between the viewer and the image. Northfork avoids typical techniques used to "grab the viewer" such as climaxing plot, suspense, situation, dilemma, etc and relies on more subtle methods to keep us watching like it's low-key surrealistic visuals, unique concept and dialogue; the humor of which is timed perfectly to the movie's overall pace and development. It's ambiguous impressions of loss, departure, grief, and the metaphysical world are thought provoking but not mind bending. Fully absorbing all these subtleties isn't essential to enjoying the film but it helps. Strangely the aspect which I originally liked most about this film has become slightly irritating upon multiple viewings: the scenes involving the metaphysical characters Flower Hercules, Cup of Tea, and Goose of Top Gun fame. No problem with the actors, I think it's that the written dialogue comes off as a bit pretentious and too transparently symbolic. The scenes I've come to enjoy the most are the funnier ones featuring Woods all and the "bottom feeders" in general.... Don't look towards Northfork for a complex plot or overly developed characters, it works on a more dream-like level. if you enjoy unique beautiful dreamy, non-cynical, non-jaded films, give it a chance. It doesn't suck, it rules gently.
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