Movie/Video Review Magnolia
Rated R
Director: Paul Anderson
Starring: Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore

Magnolia is a long, awkward and ambitious movie. veryone in Magnolia is in pain. All that pain is just too much after a while. Anderson is very intent on showing that no one is what they seem. Everyone who seems to be doing well actually hides a past tragedy.

Like the multimillionaire played by Jason Robards, he's terminally ill and might also have a secret shame. Everyone who seems screwed up actually has a really good reason for being that way. The truly irritating drug addict played by Melora Walters turns out to not only have an awful memory that explains why she's messed up but actually has a heart of gold.

It is good to see Tom Cruise at his best, in a cocky mode. In his scenes as a motivational speaker giving a room full of pathetic guys the confidence to hit on women, Tom Cruise is electrifying. He's less affecting in the later scenes where he has to show vulnerability. Julianne Moore has a few stunningly real moments but she's generally handcuffed by her pathetic character. She has one affecting scene where she's mortified when a pharmacist, thinking she's a junkie, is unsure whether to fill her prescription but it's hard to have much sympathy for someone who's biggest problem is guilt about marrying someone for his money. Philip Seymour Hoffman, so good as the obnoxious foppish wealth playboy in Talented Mr. Ripley, isn't given much to work with, playing a likable caretaker, like he did in Flawless.

Anderson says Magnolia was inspired by Aimee Mann's songs. Mann's soundtrack is one of the best parts of the movie. While the songs and the film share a sad, pained sensibility, Mann's songs about characters haunted by their past are over in three minutes and they have good melodies to soften their message. Anderson's movie stretches over more than three hours and its tension and pain are almost unrelenting.

My personal rating is a thumb's up.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12