Upstream Color (2013)

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Baffling. Extraordinary. Pigs. Barely any dialogue. Beautiful looking. Directed by Shane Carruth (Primer), It's very challenging - so much so that I'm not even sure repeat viewings will shed any more light on it. It's definitely one for cinema purists who like to watch cerebral movies. In that respect it's more of an experience than a movie aligned with Terence Malick and Darren Aronofsky material. What's it about? The cycle of life? genetics? religion? morality? ethics? Probably all these things. What's clear is that Shane Carruth operates on a level that is different to most of us!

Although I felt the acting, cinematography and score are good, the lack of plot continuity makes it very difficult to access emotionally. I suppose this would be seen as very artistic for the film professional or those who are tired for the sheeple food that Hollywood tends to produce, but in my mind this just goes too far.

I have no idea how Shane Carruth did it, but this was one of the most interesting films I've seen in quite some time. I actually had to put it on pause once or twice just to breathe, and for that reason I am grateful that I could watch it at home rather than a theater. The story can be a bit overwhelming at times, but my takeaway feeling is one of awe and amazement. Would I watch it again? ummmm. Most likely not. Am I glad that I DID watch it? Definitely. An amazing piece of work that redefines dimensions, parallels and just how hard it can be to come together.

This ended up being a beautiful film, but it is clear that in the second half the film got a little bit off course. I can definitely see how people could not understand it. It doesn't mean that they are not smart enough it means they weren't paying attention well enough to be able to think it through and piece it together, but that was a problem with this film. Piecing it together. This is the first film where I actually had to think very hard about what I was watching and then piece it together which I will admit is a bit frustrating. It is good for a film to leave you thinking, but not to where you have to really think and piece together to understand it.