Synopsis
The setting is an exclusive college, and the action covers one school term. We move fromone party to another (very little education of any kind takes place here, what with the professorsstoned or absent), and see the intersections of doomed romantic hopes. These hopes belong toSean Bateman (brother of American Psycho Patrick), who longs for the virginal Lauren, and is inturn longed after by Paul. Lauren, meanwhile, is saving herself for Victor, who doesn’t evenknow she exis…s. There are all kinds of neat stylistic flourishes on display here, but the plot isultimately too thin to support 110 minutes. The film pokes fun at the meaninglessness of itscharacters’ lives, but is itself pretty meaningless.
Audio
This is an extremely music-heavy film, and said music (scored by tomandandy), soundsfabulous. There is no distortion present, either. The mix is only 2.0, however, and there is verylittle by way of sound effect action (partly because the music plays almost continuously).
Video
A very nice 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. The colours are gloriously rich, and theblacks are deep and solid. There is no grain, the contrasts are strong, and what edge enhancementthere is is very slight.
Special Features
A feature commentary by Carrot Top? God save us. Well, I guess it had to be done once, ifonly to demonstrate why it should never be done again. Somewhat more useful are the five(count ‘em) other commentaries. These are “revolving door” commentaries, but all that meansis that the various participants take turns doing their schtick, then hand the mike over tosomeone else (no round table discussions, in other words). Everybody but the key grip gets achance to speak, so here is just about everything you could possibly want to know about the film.Beyond the commentaries, there are three trailers and a Sundance Channel Anatomy of a Scene(which examines the first encounter between Sean and Lauren). The menu’s main page isanimated and scored, as are the transitions.
Closing Thoughts
This is a great film to look at, and there are plenty of clever moments, but the whole is lessthan the sum of its parts.
Special Features List
- 5 Revolving Door Commentaries
- Carrot Top Commentary
- Anatomy of a Scene
- Trailers