Tape (2001)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Just what I expected

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

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

Short and Simple Review by WubsTheFadgerFirst off, the story would seem extremely mundane but Richard Linklater, much like in the Before series and Waking Life, has created characters and emotion that makes the film tense and real. The story is told fast and the dialogue between the characters is fluid and genuine.the acting is very good. Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman perform great. Robert Sean Leonard does an okay job as a man who just got caught up in the past. Ethan Hawke once again performs stunningly. Much like in Gattaca, the Before Series, and even in The Purge, he brings a sense of realism to the screen.The pacing is fast throughout the entire film and the run time is short.The only downside I see to this film is that the ending is somewhat unresolved. Pros: Genuine dialogue, great characters, interesting story, good acting, amazing performance by Ethan Hawke, fast pacing, and a short run timeCons: Robert Sean Leonard's weak performance and an unresolved endingOverall Rating: 8.3P.S. Richard Linklater is one of my favorite directors. The Before Series are some of my favorite movies along with Waking Like. If you enjoy dialogue driven films you should also watch The Man From Earth.

A small, much more contemporary piece compared to his highly cerebral and evocative Waking Life from the same year, Richard Linklater's film adaptation of the Stephen Belber play is rather convincing and foreboding in its portrayal of three friends from high school who reunite ten years later and learn how little each of them has been able to shake their respective pasts.Ethan Hawke truly stands out here as a bonafide actor; completely confident and convincing in his role as a drug dealer/firefighter who initially seems like a typical, stoned-out druggie yet turns out to be far more observant and conniving. Robert Sean Leonard is also strong who likewise turns a few corners over the course of a night of talking frankly with people from his past. Overall, this is a fairly minor work from one of America's most important directors, but it shows his capabilities to stretch beyond his comfort zone and mix it up within a rather unpopular but still important subgenre of drama. Shot on digital video for a more authentic and gritty feel, this is a gripping story that at its best shows pitiful characters at their most vulnerable points.

This film is a refreshing taste in the mouth of those tired of over-designed films in the drama genre. With 3 characters, no music, no sound editing, and one scene the film thrives on the ability of the actors to portray believable people. By removing the complexity of film in the technical and aesthetic sense, Linklater allows you to plunge into the minds of the characters without distraction. Its also always nice to see some familiar faces in Hollywood turn their attention to grassroots film-making. Ethan Hawke's ability to use the slightest details to create a big character shines in the film. Robert Sean Leonard shows that he can play characters who aren't so warm and fuzzy (though I don't mind it when he does i.e. Dead Poet's Society, Much Ado About Nothing). The friendship between the two characters takes deep roots and the contrast in personalities allows the film to call to attention the way in which people are influenced by those around them whether for the good or the bad.

Richard Linklater is a very talented director and a very important figure of independent cinema.Tape is another great movie directed by him.First of all,a movie which only has three actors and is developed in one room and results to be fun and great,is something really unexpected.The plot is perfect and I wasn't bored watching this.The performances are excellent but Ethan Hawke steals the show.Tape is a great and fun movie,very well written and very well acted.So I recommend this film because it's really fascinating.Thank you,Mr.Linklater for giving us this great film.Rating:9