review by Steve Beckley
The Rules of Attraction 2002
Watched Jun 25, 2012
Steve Beckley’s review:
The best thing about The Rules of Attraction was the screenplay and directing. Everything was cool and stimulating, both visually and aurally. This movie must have been mis-marketed when it came out because I remember seeing the TV spots, but I didn't expect anything like this. Avary's directorial style was new and original to me without being too artsy-fartsy. It helped that a lot of the music was upbeat and to my tastes. Being a book adaptation, I can tell they could have easily made this overlong or taken too much out. Even though every subplot is not fleshed out to the maximum, the story completely works as a film. Not every story (any of them?) has a real resolution either. It's like "We're stopping the film here, but rest assured, the characters are going to continue to live their lives for better or worse. Here are your credits in reverse." Nice touch.
Have you listened to the "secret" commentary track? Do you know about it?
Also, the feature about the signature shot from the film is nice, even though that signature shot is impossible. When they pull back you see theres no way she was able to reach over and pull off his glasses. They're like 10 feet away!
No I don't have the disc. I was prompted to watch it on Netflix Instant Watch since it is expiring soon. I'll have to get that for a re-watch someday.
Is the "secret" commentary track the one with Carrot Top? Haha. I haven't listened to it myself yet, but I've heard/read about it.
The Rules of Attraction is a great film, by the way. Love the soundtrack.
This is one of those underrated movies I don't understand why people don't rave more about. I absolutely love this and it's in my top films of all time.
@Corey - the "secret" track is absolutely hilarious! Great idea for a commentary track!