I think it benefits from the same kind of feigned depth as Fight Club or Donnie Darko that appeals to young film enthusiasts, but doesn't hold up in comparison to anything with real depth. In terms of cinematography and filmmaking technique, there's really nothing interesting going on, so you have to judge it based on the story and characters.
The character dynamics are probably the film's strongest point: the disenchanted father is revitalized by the young cheerleader, who in turn is insecure and happy to be wanted. This ties into his daughter feeling estranged, etc.
I could live without the whole "whodunit" murder aspect, and the grocery bag thing just had me rolling my eyes. The movie falls back on that kind of quirkiness too much.
It isn't a terrible movie by any means, but it isn't as smart as it makes itself out to be.
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[–]Pulp_Zero 5 points 3 years ago
I disagree fully, especially concerning the cinematography. Conrad Hall is one of the all time great cinematographers, and really knows how to use a color pallet, and his lighting, particularly during the final scenes involving rain is remarkable.
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[–]gradeahonky 2 points 3 years ago
I would partially disagree. The movie isn't as brilliant as it may get credit for on any one point, but everything it does comes together very nicely. It seems like a complete package that leaves you in a unique mood, if it doesn't give you a particular concept that blows your mind. It has influenced the color, pace and music of a lot of movies after it. And the bag thing wasn't so bad.
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[–]Buck0Five 1 point 3 years ago
I couldn't help but laugh when I read your comments that Fight Club and American Beauty lack "real depth". Don't allow a bunch of mislead frat boys to distract you from how much depth Fight Club actually has. That movie has as many layers running through it as almost anything that has come out in the last few decades. I will grant you that American Beauty has its flaws but it was a landmark film.
"and the grocery bag thing just had me rolling my eyes"