As difficult as it is to combine the droll with the quirky this nevertheless appears to be what Gus Van Sant is attempting to do with this film. But he has gone further by wrapping it with dead flowers in a love story brimming with mildly irritating teen angst. The cinematography is text book indy bland but the improbable wardrobe is fun to look at.

How often can you say you've just watched a scifi western musical? Unconventional only begins to define this movie and while its in no way perfect it still adheres so unswervingly to its own internal logic that it manages nevertheless to hold together to the end. This wacky, bizarre, kookily entertaining film is one of my all time favourites and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different to experience. Even if the story doesn't do it for you the stark, crafted B&W cinematography and compelling offbeat music still gives much to enjoy. Watch it and enjoy.

A tight script, brilliant understated acting from Clooney, Wilkinson and Swinton at her frigid best complemented by sublime cinematography from the masterful Robert Elswit all combine to make a very satisfying watch.