Richard Kelly's new film, Southland Tales, is virtually impossible to describe without bringing up the spoilers in the film, and lets be honest; they're worth the wait. Southland Tales is the newest apocalyptic film from the creator of Donnie Darko. As we noticed from his previous work, the man has the end of times on his mind and exercises his thoughts well.
Southland Tales is a mind trip through the vast tyrannical face of Los Angeles. The plot concerns an almost (Damn me for saying it, but "Lynchian") look into the center story of a single person who is visited by amnesia and is involved in something a lot more complex than it seems, and when i say complex, I mean you won't have a fucking clue as to what is going on until the end.
Just like Richard Kelly, he mixes amazing character depth with zany special effects. I must give the man credit for being a digital artist such as himself. He also brings out incredible performances out of mild actors; people who have normally not been seen in such an in-depth role. Justin Timberlake for example, is the narrator of the film. He probably has my favorite role, and his musical number was simply fascinating. Richard Kelly manages to include these new-wave electro songs in his films, and still maintain the quality, which to this day astounds me.
I really cannot describe this film at all, due to it being a cacophony of insanity, science, failed feminism, and messianic figures. When i hear all these critics showering the film with negative remarks, it makes me smirk because it is suffering the exact same fate as his other film had dealt with. Southland Tales will prevail, just as Jodorowsky was verbally assaulted for his use of symbolism and lack of story, Kelly will too prevail in the sea of hypocritical Americans.
Emotionally affecting, religion mocking, and evangelical madness. This is the near future film of the century. No one has captured something ever quite like this before. Just as Donnie Darko was the prelude to the 9/11 attacks, Southland Tales might be the opening score to a beautiful apocalypse. Part political satire, part surrealism, All American.
-Maq
Dwayne Johnson and J.Timberlake are surprisingly talented actors; but i'm still trying to figure out what Southland Tales was about... maybe it's really obvious, i.e. life in Los Angeles is blurred, clutter, flashy and not always meaningful.
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