MovieChat Forums > Restless (2011) Discussion > Van Sant's Best Film since Elephant

Van Sant's Best Film since Elephant

posted 14 years ago by ryrynb
15 replies | jump to latest

Just saw this tonight at it's first test screening: it is absolutely phenomenal. Emotional, breathtakingly beautiful, and has a layer of depth rarely seen in films coming out of Hollywood today. Without a doubt it's Van Sant's best film since Elephant and I really wish it was premiering at Cannes because this is exactly the type of film that succeeds at Cannes. "Restless" deals with loneliness, love, and mortality and it's really Van Sant's artistry and unique expression of compassion that makes the film work so well. Henry Hopper is very weak in the lead role but Mia Wasikowska makes up for it, proving that she is destined to be a breakout star. Forget Alice in Wonderland; she steals the show in Restless.

I can't wait for this film to get released as it's a special kind of films that people need to see.

[–] pcesta 14 years ago

Thanks for your review, the film sounds very promising.
About Cannes, a French article claims some sources indicate that Restless may compete at Cannes but there's no confirmation:
http://www.zoom-cinema.fr/news/2010/4/8/cannes-2010-la-croisette-chuch ote/2863/

[–] abezerrav 14 years ago

How about Paranoid Park? That was an amazing film, and it actually won a prize at Cannes. I'm really excited for this one as well. I like Gus Van Sant's more personal intimate movies like elephant and Paranoid Park. Milk was good, but I just prefer these other ones. He really has a unique sensibility about adolescence and growing up that make these movies a treat.

[–] Valerie_Vance 14 years ago

Not a fan of Milk?

It's an ordinary high school day. Except that it's not.

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] AnnChovie 14 years ago

Thanks for the heads up! For once, a screening report I can believe in.

I can't wait!

[–] sizzlefairy 14 years ago

I love Gus Van Sant's work! I really can't wait to see this, I loved Milk, but Elephant and Paranoid Park are two of his most recent works that I really can't take my mind off of. Your review sounds quite promising though, so I'm ready for this one to be just as powerful as his pervious films.

Prejudice is a disease. So is fashion. But I will not wear prejudice. -Lady Gaga

[–] MWallace77 14 years ago

I've loved his films but for some reason couldn't get into Paranoid Park.

[–] abezerrav 14 years ago

"Elephant and Paranoid Park are two of his most recent works that I really can't take my mind off of"

I know, I recently saw Paranoid Park, and I cannot stop thinking about it, AMAZING movie.

[–] Svperstar 14 years ago

Elephant was a horrible movie. This coming from a person that spent a lot of time writing about school shootings in college. Horrible flick

[–] alesisqs61 12 years ago

Elephant was terrible.

It was like watching a human study about steadicam operators. If you want to see a good high school shooting movie...see We Need to Talk about Kevin...which was better in everyway to Elephant.

http://www.youtube.com/user/alphazoom
http://www.vimeo.com/1986276

[–] Bree_33 13 years ago

loneliness, love, and mortality...Wow Van Sant knows just how to cheer you up.

Make 'em laugh!

[–] mrs_stranger 13 years ago

Thank you for your review. I'm attending the Toronto International Film Festival next week, and this will be my first screening. Mia Wasikowska is a brilliant actress... I loved her in the remake of Jane Eyre. I am really looking forward to this movie.

[–] mulholland_empire 12 years ago

im def going to see this, but i thought milk was his best film in the past few yrs. better than elephant.

[–] yusef-ghanima 7 years ago

sodomite

[–] 7 years ago

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