Read Storylines Before Watching A Movie Like This

Or, maybe some folks should just read storylines (typically found on IMDB) before watching any movies.

For example, if a potential viewer read the storyline to this movie prior to watching it, or even while watching it, it would quickly alleviate confusion some are complaining about regarding most of the characters' relationships to each other and even would help to explain some of the plot. These folks then would have the kind of 'schematic' they seem to need (based on some comments I have been reading on this message board) to frame the movie so that maybe they can then enjoy it for its other qualities.

This isn't the kind of movie where there is going to be a predictable, linear "Start Point A -> Middle Point B --> End Point C" to it. It isn't meant to unpack that way, but is instead more of a character study where the viewer is plopped into the middle of the lives and relationships of the characters portrayed and then goes on from there. The camera (as the eye of the viewer) follows these characters through vignettes of their lives, more like 'real' life as opposed to 'cinema' life. Real life is not all about gritty, organized dialogue; car chases and explosions; and, all loose ends tied up neatly in two hours or so. The narratives of our lives are generally a lot 'messier' than the typical 'Hollywood' type of movie would portray.

Tracy begins as someone who is still awakening to her sobriety and to the lingering repercussions and pitfalls stemming from her addicted life -- and not only the roadblock situations she encounters, but also her emotional reactions to these situations.

People's lives, especially given the types of situations and lifestyles portrayed, are more likely to be meandering than to be straight shots. I think that was at least part of what this movie was trying to portray.

So, if the viewer can accept all this, then maybe same viewer can better appreciate this beautifully filmed movie, with its stunning performances, instead of comparing it to a type of movie that it was not meant to be in the first place.

This film may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think that it is unfair to hold it to criteria that simply don't 'fit'.

I, myself, 'went along for the ride' of this movie. I was not 'bored' by it, my confusion morphed into clarity with each successive scene regarding the relationships/situations (somewhat mirroring the character of Tracy as she achieves increasing clarity as the story unfolds), and the only problem I had with it is that I think the director cheated a bit at the end by throwing in some hurried, formulaic plot devices.

And, again, if some viewers have problems understanding the stories and/or relationships of movies like these (as some have complained on this board), my advice would be to read up on a movie before seeing it.

Just my two cents!
denise1234 :)



"I can't stand a naked light bulb, any more than..a rude remark or a vulgar action" Blanche DuBois