http://lookforthenines.com/forums/ The Sevens Topic: Criticism for the Nines en Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:39:43 +0000 http://lookforthenines.com/forums/topic/criticism-for-the-nines#post-134 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 12:55:39 +0000 jeffmc 134@http://lookforthenines.com/forums/ <p>There's a natural commonality to the basic subject matter of this film. This quest to realizing the defining metaphysical/supernatural fabric to life is a subject I immediately respond to - I think most of us do. But, the tone of the film seemed to weirdly play itself against this universal connection - John clearly kept this as purely about himself for too long, without thinking about how he could expand (not dilute) these personal experiences into something that would be as affecting to everyone else. Of course, there's always a very personal alliance between a writer and his work. But, there's a difference in creating a deeply accessible and affecting, personal film and this one. </p> <p>Let me give some specific examples: This movie, to me, is about Melissa - the "human" element, and her struggle to let go - to not need and depend on Ryan so much. I think the line that tackles this best (relative to the rest of the film) is when Melissa says something to the effect of "If this is all there is, I'm okay with that" - before Ryan goes. Her relinquishing this utter dependence (yes, even in the first story - it's quickly apparent to me that she needs Ryan in her life more than he needs her - or it's presented that way). I'm guessing that the majority of people who see it will relate more to Melissa than Ryan. This seems to be very obvious, yet the story wasn't told like this.</p> <p>To me, it's about a god-like being realizing he's god-like and going back - uhh, to where ever he came from? Seriously? And it's not a cartoon or an action film in the vein of Lord of the Rings or something. I think this is why this movie fails. The majority of it plays to this, and then only at the end, comes back to the human element.</p> <p>I felt disconnected from this movie, and frustrated by it's poor execution. </p> <p>Regardless of the reviews listed here, which I'm shocked by, I think that the response to this movie is going to be lackluster because of this fundamental flaw. Plenty else wrong with it, but I think this is it's Archilles' Heel.</p> <p>Sorry for the negative remarks, but just being honest. I'm a big fan of John's, a regular reader of the blog and have been looking forward to the film. I commend him on trying something very ambitious. I think, if nothing else, he's really changed the way movies are told - just wish he did it better. </p>