Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Future (2011)

The Future (2011)

Genre: Drama
Director: Miranda July
Starring: Miranda July, Hamish Linklater, David Warshofsky
Language: English
Duration: 91 min.
Rating: 5.9  

Summary:
When Sophie and Jason decide to adopt a stray cat, their perspective on life changes radically, literally altering the course of time and space and testing their faith in each other and themselves.



The Future is a film written by, directed, and starring Miranda July.  It premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. 

July's second effort is about a thirty-something LA couple, Miranda July and Hamish Linklater, who decide to adopt a dying cat to give themselves some meaning to their aimless existences.  In an interesting creative twist, it's narrated by said cat, named Paw-Paw (July putting on a high pitched voice), who has a few scattered moments of smartly written insight, and is the most sympathetic character in the film.  However, the tedious story, unlikeable and uninteresting characters, and far too quirky plot devices, only lead to a tiresome and annoying viewing experience.

I'm sure there is a profound message to be found in The Future, and I applaud the fact that she has the ambition and opportunity to make films with an uncompromising vision, but she's made this one exceedingly difficult for me to care about or bother trying to figure out. 

Bonjour Tristesse









26 comments:

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah this is definitely the type of film that leaves no room for middle ground.  You'll either really love it or hate it.

Dan said...

Interesting poster but it obviously doesn't live up to it. I'll give this one a miss.

Nostra said...

A bit surprised you didn't like it as I've read a lot of raving reviews about it. I thought it didn't look like something I'd enjoy personally so decided to skip it.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I don't think you want to know.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

 Yeah her first film was miles better than this one.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah that is an apt descriptor for this one. 

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yes, I didn't think it was one of the greatest ever, but I did enjoy that one far more than this.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah that is an apt descriptor for this one. 

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Unlikeable isn't necessarily a turnoff for me.  I mean watching a gangster movie like Goodfellas or someone like Hannibal Lecter, those characters aren't exactly likeable either, but at least they are interesting. 

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Unlikeable isn't necessarily a turnoff for me.  I mean watching a gangster movie like Goodfellas or someone like Hannibal Lecter, those characters aren't exactly likeable either, but at least they are interesting. 

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah that is an apt descriptor for this one. 

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah that is an apt descriptor for this one. 

Tyler said...

Have you seen Miranda July's previous film ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW? I think it's one of the greatest indie movies ever made. Not much hope for this one though.

Lisa Thatcher said...

He he he - thanks for the warning. 

d_4 said...

It's got pass written all over it.

Eric said...

Hmm... sounds like this one may be too quirky for its own good. A shame, too, because I enjoyed Me and You and Everyone We Know.

Eric said...

Hmm... sounds like this one may be too quirky for its own good. A shame, too, because I enjoyed Me and You and Everyone We Know.

Eric said...

Hmm... sounds like this one may be too quirky for its own good. A shame, too, because I enjoyed Me and You and Everyone We Know.

G said...

a shame it sounded like an interesting concept

The Reel Foto said...

But what happens to the cat?

Beasts in Human Skin said...

You're right.   It's good to see film makers taking risks but the idea of this film makes me want to put a gun in my mouth.

Hoi-Ming Ng said...

Unlikable characters. Haven't seen a movie with those in a while. OH WAIT, that's by choice. Pass.

Christine said...

I remember seeing this during the Berlinale last year when there was a lot of hype around it.  I like her quirky sensibilities but definitely too slow moving for me and was bored with the lack of chemistry between this couple.  Though the cat narrating was a cute idea. 

The Angry Lurker said...

Good honest review.....

TimBowen said...

Yeah, this doesn't look all that exciting...

FrontRoomCinema said...

I am so bored of Twee hipster films.. and this one looks SOOO much like that!! I will be leaving this alone.

thanks for the heads up BT

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