review by FilmApe Pro
Synecdoche, New York 2008
Rewatched Feb 12, 2012
FilmApe’s review:
"It is a play about dating, not just about death. Its about everything, dating, birth, death, life, family, all that."
It seems stupid to even try to try to give an interpretation of this film, as every single person will and should interpret it differently. The film is meant to be seen in a unique, individual, and personal way.
Gun to the head, the simplest way to describe the movie is through use of the quote above. Synecdoche, New York is a film about everything.
I should watch this again soon. I remember not being blow away by it but it is the type of movie that needs numerous watches before you can make a final judgement on it. I always wondered how it would turn out if Michel Gondry or Spike Jonez had directed this instead as Kauffman as they make such a great pair.
I was thinking the same thing about Gondry & Jonze while I watched it. The film probably would have been funnier and less confusing had one of those two directed. I think I'm impressed with the film just because Kaufman doesn't compromise his vision at all. Also with this re-watch I got a Tree of Life vibe from the film, but obviously since its a Charlie Kaufman film it is done a lot differently than Malick's masterpiece.
I'm a big fan of this film, though it seems pretty divisive among people I know that saw it. My wife was not a fan at all. The expression on her face after it was over made me think she was so angry with me (like we'd had a fight during the movie and I missed it somehow). I hope it picks up more fans over the years.
That's funny Brian. I've got that look more that once.