MovieChat Forums > Lying (2008) Discussion > It's weird, but I find it strangely tran...

It's weird, but I find it strangely transfixing.

posted 15 years ago by Mr_Ectoplasma
11 replies | jump to latest

I like this movie. I rented it over the summer because I spotted Sevigny, Malone, and Sobieski on the front cover; I had no choice but to get it. I expected it to be odd, as I'd never heard of it before and the cover and synopsis and all was pretty obscure, but I enjoyed it.

A lot of people seem to HATE it, but there's something strangely beautiful about it - the images of all the women frolicking around the countryside and inside the grandeur house are transfixing; the film really oozes atmosphere, and evokes a sense of... something. I'm not even sure I can describe it; it's inviting at times, and at others unsettling and just off-balance. The awkwardness between the characters is well demonstrated, too.

There's really no plot to speak of, but it's pretty good as far as experimental movies go. I think the problem is that the people who end up seeing it may not be adjusted to these kinds of experimental movies, so they have a hard time enjoying it. It's definitely not for all tastes, but once you can kind of get in its "groove", it is a weirdly intriguing piece of film. A good kind of "background movie", that you can leave playing while doing housework, or during a party or something - kind of like Warhol's "Chelsea Girls", in that sense. You don't have to pay a whole lot of attention to what's going on - it's more about taking in the images and wallowing in the atmosphere.

[–] shuttlebug 14 years ago

In regards to how people really do hate it and complain about it - I don't understand it at all. How can you HATE this movie... there isn't anything to hate about it, you know? It doesn't provoke feelings of disgust and immorality. It's effing beautiful and a wonderful achievement in regards to artistic, minimalist films that are NOT getting enough attention these days. I personally wish for every $50 million budget film there should be 50 different "Lying" type films. No, this movie is not perfect and it doesn't have this linear and direct plot with all kinds of elaborate developments of this and that. It just took a life of its own; it became something out of a creative process.

I like movies with no time and no money. It's all about respect and admiration for struggling filmmakers which make up an entire subculture of their own... there are guys I go to an art institute with that have visions and approaches identical to M. Blash's narratives and they would never even dream of getting $300,000 and fourteen days to just have an experimental creative experience that produces something for an audience that wants different stuff to watch! That's how you get authentic creativity because these people are working hard against a high-expectation gradient.

[–] Jumping_Elephant 13 years ago

shuttlebug, there was one thing I hated about the film: the incessant screaming in the house when they are looking for the mystery voice. That segment went on for far, far too long. Other than that I loved the film, and I admire its beauty and the atmosphere it evokes.

Oh, the scene where they're feeding the "babies" was a little too weird as well, but I liked parts of it. Again, I loved the film though.

My vote history: www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=22981176

My iCM: tinyurl.com/4c9erff

[–] shuttlebug 14 years ago

oh yes - why do you keep establishing how "weird" you feel for liking it? you seem to be pretty hard on yourself about it, like you have some sort of unusual response to the film just because you didn't HATE it. don't embrace that kind of crap, just watch whatever movie intrigues you just like this one did

[–] Mr_Ectoplasma 14 years ago

Ah, no, I didn't mean that. I was using "weird" as an adjective for the film; not myself, personally. I was explaining how the movie itself puts me in a weird kind of mood - but it's not a bad thing! Trust me, I don't have any concerns about enjoying something that most don't; my tastes always put me in that position. I'm glad you enjoy it, too. Too few do!

[–] snowprincess67 14 years ago

youshotandywarhol, I agree with your post 100%. I thought this was a remarkable film! I truly enjoyed it. I love Chloe Sevigny and pretty much anything she is in. You know what I also really liked? The music. I would love a soundtrack to this movie. I wonder if one even exists. I will have to check. I thought the scenery was breathtaking. Absolutely beautiful. I would love a country house like that!

[–] dorisblake 14 years ago

i found it kind of hypnotizing, too. i wanted to be there drinking wine and playing croquet.

[–] FuzzySparkle 14 years ago

I also agree with your post. Great assessment and intriguing film.

And, Doris, though I enjoyed the film, I was thinking that I definitely wouldn't want to be doing something like that. Haha!

Maggie

[–] krisluvkev 13 years ago

I agree with the op it is strangly intriguing and interesting. It's a quiet, simple film and it doesn't pretend to be more then that.

[–] KeanuMeansLove 12 years ago

Nice post. Cheers!

viva La Revolucion!!

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] YourLipsareRed 10 years ago

I couldn't agree more. For people who need words, and action constantly displayed in front of them..maybe a film like this isn't for them. But the cinematography of this film in itself is so thought-provoking. I agree with another user, I found myself wanting to be there with them..basking in the sun & the open air, just drinking wine.

Been trying hard not to get into trouble, But I've got a war in my mind..

IheartRiloKiley.