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Plot:
A handful of people in the San Fernando Valley are having one hell of a day. TV mogul Earl Partridge (Jason Robards) is on his deathbed; his trophy wife (Julianne Moore) is popping pills with alarming...( read more 
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MCT:October 12, 2008There are stories of coincidence and chance, of intersections and strange things told, and which is which and who only knows? And we generally say, "Well, if that was in a movie, I wouldn't believe it." Someone's so-and-so met someone else's so-and-so and so on. And it is in the humble opinion of this narrator that strange things happen all the time. And so it goes, and so it goes. And the book says, "We may be through with the past, but the past ain't through with us."
Magnolia is writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson's answer to Robert Altman's Short Cuts. The film is an epic mosaic of modern American life and a tightly woven tapestry of several interrelated lives in the San Fernando Valley over the course of 24 hours. The stories of these characters are told through a series of poignant vignettes - all characters are lost souls searching for redemption from the collective misery that is their tortured contemporary lives. What binds the diverse characters' stories into a complete and coherent whole are the various stimulating themes running the full length of the movie. In one thematic thread, Anderson proposes that life is not a succession of logical linear happenings that have a reasonable outcome. He suggests life is instead dominated by pure coincidence and chance. Secondly (and perhaps more centrally) the director explores the manner in which humans treat each other; specifically the relationships between parents and their children.
Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia is a film that deserves your attention. It won't be for all tastes, in fact many tag the film as overlong and self-indulgent (even the actors warned Anderson upfront of the film's over-length), but I found the film absolutely riveting and brilliantly engaging for its three-hour running time. From start to finish I was immersed in the filmmaking spell being offered - mesmerised, shocked, rapt and thoroughly engrossed. This is a remarkable, unique and magnificent production rich in underlying themes of coincidence and chance. Although it may not seem obvious, every piece of this 180-minute film is solidly there to serve a purpose. There are also various subtle inclusions that require additional viewings in order for one to absorb.
This is Paul Thomas Anderson's third feature film. He's a director who shows improvement with each new outing. Hard Eight and Boogie Nights were merely stepping stones to assist the director in reaching his zenith. Further exemplification of this point is in Anderson's 2007 film There Will Be Blood. Whether you're a lover or a hater of Anderson, it's difficult to deny his deft and dexterous touch behind the camera.
The opening sequence (narrated by Ricky Jay) explains a number of remarkable coincidences. For example: in the 50s a young man committed suicide by jumping off the roof of a building. Mid-fall he's hit with a shotgun blast before continuing to fall into a safety net that had been installed days earlier. The shotgun was fired by the young man's mother who accidentally fired the gun during an argument with the young man's father. As it turns out, the young man had loaded the shotgun a few weeks earlier in the hope his parents would get into a brawl and accidentally kill each other. All of this is allegedly true. This theme of outlandish coincidences is layered thick throughout the duration of Magnolia. The ten vibrantly-drawn protagonists lead seemingly unconnected lives, yet over the 24-hour period their lives converge either through chance meetings or lifestyle similarities. Presented as a collage of tangential sub-plots, Magnolia tracks each of these characters as they undertake an emotional journey. Each is pushed to the edge of despair by circumstances out of their past, and ostensibly beyond their control.
Excellent scripting and directing, as well as a terrific ensemble cast make Magnolia a poignant and powerful cinematic experience. There is no central narrative, no single protagonist, and no top billing. Each of the film's sub-plots (presented concurrently) offers a profoundly moving and incisive character study - each a well-crafted drama. The directing and editing are so effective that as Anderson cuts back and forth between various stories he builds a compelling dramatic tension that leaves one awe-struck. Each of the sub-plots feeds the dramatic tension at just the correct rate, simultaneously culminating in an apocalyptic, shocking climax of Biblical proportions. It's a bit of a shame, though, that Anderson annoyingly cuts away from a story just as it's getting interesting.
Three hours is a long time to keep an audience involved, but Anderson almost pulls it off. One of the reasons why the movie's energy level remains high is due to the way Anderson and his cinematographer Robert Elswit (the two also collaborated on Hard Eight and Boogie Nights) vary the film's visual style. Aside from the customary variety of quick cuts and intense close-ups, there's a curiously large number of long-lasting, unbroken takes. Music plays an imperative role in Anderson's approach as well. Not only are Aimee Mann's songs meticulously woven into the movie's fabric, but the score (courtesy of Jon Brion) is virtually omnipresent. During the first two hours of Magnolia, just about every scene is bestowed with background music. Only throughout the third hour are there a larger number of sequences that have been traditionally scored.
Magnolia is lengthy and occasionally tedious, nevertheless it's utterly enthralling for its duration. Anderson provides ample time for the characters to develop - just letting the camera track his actors and allowing them to flourish. Some may feel that Magnolia is the worse for it, as Anderson seeming drags out each chunk of exposition into excruciating monotony. For others (myself included), writer/director Anderson has created marvellous characterisations brought to life by capable performers. Granted, there is a bit of a lag during the initial parts of the third hour, but an astonishing occurrence towards the film's end (that I described as being of Biblical proportions) re-invigorates the proceedings. The climax will unquestionably be the most hotly debated feature of the film. For some it may be too unbelievable, and may ruin an otherwise deeply penetrating examination of human behaviour and interaction. On the contrary, those who share my opinion will collectively agree it simply elevates the movie to a new level. Nothing prepared me for the film's stunning conclusion.
At the film's heart, the smart writing and dexterous direction are only half the battle...the actors are the ones that have to carry the show. There's a terrific ensemble cast to behold. The standard for each actor is uniformly excellent.
This is a new revelation for Tom Cruise. Cruise was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance as the egotistical, misogynistic sex guru who offers advice to horny and frustrated male bachelors. Cruise is given a number of absolutely wonderful lines of dialogue to work with. Like when his character's secret past is revealed by a TV reporter...Cruise sits silently and informs the reporter "I'm quietly judging you".
John C. Reilly takes an unexpected turn with his endearing portrayal as a moderately incompetent policeman. He's a good guy with good intentions. He's basically among the few characters in the film who actually acts like an adult and looks beyond pitying himself in order to extend a hand to others. He's rather awkward when on a date with a girl, and is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but who really knows how to do everything perfectly 24 hours a day? His compassion offers hope in an otherwise thoroughly depressing film.
Melora Walters is utterly stunning as a struggling drug addict. She unreservedly lavishes her rage and anguish until she realises it'll completely consume her. Walters is compelling, powerful and unflinching.
William H. Macy, as always, is among the strongest actors in the cast. Macy is definitely one of the greatest actors of this current filmmaking generation.
The rest of the cast never tread a foot incorrectly. From Philip Seymour Hoffman's thoroughly passionate (and fascinating) performance as a nurse, to Julianne Moore's performance as a suicide-prone almost-widow, to Philip Baker Ball, Alfred Molina, Jeremy Blackman, Jason Robards, Melinda Dillon and even Ricky Jay - there isn't a faulty performance in sight.
Despite its three-hour length, Magnolia is undeniably a masterpiece. Each story is well-written, the directing is so proficient, and the acting is so moving that we can almost forgive Anderson for being a tad self-indulgent. Some of the film's highlights include a number of beautiful montages that are topped off with poignant narration. Magnolia demands a lot from its audience. A single viewing is barely adequate to absorb all the intricate details. Yet it supplies a satisfying and exhilarating cinematic experience - one that lingers long after the credits roll. -
MCT:October 9, 2008
An astounding, beautifully pieced mosaic from director Paul Thomas Anderson, who weaves ideals, characters, and themes together into an identifiably disjointed set of portraits, but an unmistakably streamlined overall story. The clarity of Magnolia is the force that immediately stands out. The film takes a few steps before warming to us, but Anderson makes sure to give us introductions. We meet these characters, we learn of their lives, and we start to enjoy their company. But it isn't until we become truly familiar with them that their functioning on the grander scale becomes noticed. At it's most base level - Magnolia is a patchwork quilt of life and its citizens; each person has a different story to tell, but in the end it is the one story of life that connects us all - and we may just be closer to one another than we would think. And it is this streamlined approach to this delicate and challenging subject that makes Magnolia so commendable. Everything fits together so well - not perfectly, and that is the point - that it manages to fit a broad scope of ideas and representations of life into a singular (albeit lengthy) running time. Yet while each character has their own representations - forgiveness in Cruise's "TJ Mackey", need of direction from Macy - the film's ultimate layers lies in the truths and compassions of this world and their need in society. It is a beautiful film that holds the potential to move an audience in so many ways.
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MCT:October 6, 2008This is one of the most wonderfully complex and intricate movies I have ever seen. The characters range from some of the most noble I've seen in a movie in a long time to some of the most pitiful. The director is able to simultaneously capture some of the best and worse qualities of human nature. The dialogue and interaction between the characters is certainly among the most 'real' and genuine that I've seen. Also, the film has one of the most unexpected yet brilliant climax in movie history. I mean, I didn't really see it coming. wtf.
Don't miss this one. -
MCT:October 4, 2008
Magnificent Magnolia I like to call it. The second best film I have watched this year (Pulp Fiction being first) out of the 200 odd I have seen so far in 2008.
One of the only films where I believe everyone of the brilliant ensemble cast this film beholds from the young child actors to the really old actors like one of my personal faves, Jason Robards, deserves an Oscar for acting. Shame they only give out 4. I am appalled that this won No oscars at all. Nope. None. Not for screenplay, not for directing, not for any of the outstanding performances not for music not for anything.
John C. Reilly,
Tom Cruise (should have won the best surporting actor he was nominated for),
Jason Robards,
William H. Macy,
Julianne Moore,
Phillip Seymour Hoffman,
wonderful child actor Jeremy Blackman and so on. Each of them and all the rest of the large cast are undeniablly great.
A real, classic epic. Much better epic than that damn Dark Knight which is being waaaay over-rated and is frequently being found in top 10 lists when really, this should be there instead. however Brilliant DK may be, Magnolia is much better, much more clever, much more entertaining and a much better plot.
You've seen interweaving tales before, but none quite as good as this one. if you missed this on film four recently by it straight away. As soon as possible. -
MCT:October 4, 2008
wow i have just seen this movie 4 the 1st time n think that this is such a great movie 2 watch...its got great acting throughout this movie...i think that the director of this movie had done a really good job okf directing this movie because you never know what 2 expect throughout this movie its really enjoyable thoroughout this movie...its a bit 2 long but its just such a good movie 2 watch...i think that william h macy is a great actor n hes brilliant thorughout this movie..tom cruise is brilliant throughout this movie as well...its a good movie
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MCT:September 25, 2008First of all I really want to know why the name of the movie is Magnolia? Anyway, the movie is a little bit overrated on my opinion. The begining looked very promising, but between the begining and the end there is just a too slow and not finished idea filled with very good actors. It's too depressing on the one side and too superficial on the other side. Off course I can't say there are not some great scenes in it. I loved some parts, but I expected more after reading such a good critics...
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MCT:September 24, 2008
Love the way the movie revolves around the soundtrack, Aimee Mann's music sets the perfect tone for P.T. Anderson's masterpiece. plus it has one of my favorite scenes in movie history.
my absolute favorite movie of all time. i could watch this movie over and over again. -
MCT:September 21, 2008
palahniuk ?
Tyler Durden: Where'd you go psycho boy?
Narrator: I felt like destroying something beautiful. -
MCT:September 18, 2008
The Greatest movie I've ever seen in my life...So realistic...So Dramatic...Tom cruise's Phenomenal performance is still quite Lively and so Vivid...In spite of julianne moore's harassing performance, every body was really in their character...I believe PTA is the greatest..
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MCT:September 17, 2008
A colorful array of characters, both good and bad. Like Boogie Nights, this effectively mixes sleaze and charm, comedy and drama, and has lots of good characters. Just a little too long however and a questionable scene where all the characters sing prevent this from raching full potential at greatness. Plenty of amazing moments though.
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MCT:September 12, 2008
From the opening scene it had hold of me,everything about this film works,beautifully. Its one of those films where everything works together in perfect harmony. The cast is mindbogglingly good,and everyones acting there arse off. I love the music,Aimee Mann's soundtrack is superb. It's PTA who's the real star,the man's amazing,the script and story works on every level,and it has an ending you have to see.
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MCT:September 8, 2008
demasiado interesante.... chingona, direccion poquisima madre. me MAMO la secuencia de la lluvia de ranas, tan random y queda tan perfectamente bien como el breakdown, breakout de los personajes... chingona manera de unir las historias, muy chingon concepto. Muy bien lograda, muy buen director, buenas actuaciones, buen estilo, fuckin yeah
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MCT:August 29, 2008
PT Anderson rips my heart out in ways I'm not sure I'm comfortable with. Sometimes I like it, but he just takes it to a place that makes me feel like I need to recover afterwards.
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MCT:August 21, 2008A perfect film with an EXCELLENT story and EXCELLENT performances.
Superb direction by the underrated PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON.
A MUST WATCH !!! -
MCT:August 21, 2008an absolutely perfect and beautiful ensemble cast, cruise and moore were quite heartwrenching. this film endlessly scrapes open the bowels of emotional wounds with no hint of closure in sight, but i feel this ends quite satisfyingly (blah blah, i know, what about the frogs right?).
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MCT:August 21, 2008
Great casting, great story, Believable acting. The cast was unbelievbale to see at first but they meld well, John C. Reilly, Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy are among the many great actors and actresses in this very clever film. The film is over three hours long and the story is very slow but the ending is exceptionally brilliant. Well worth seeing.
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MCT:August 18, 2008
"Respect the Cock."
First off, if you plan on watching this, you have to have 3 hours to spare with NO interuptions or breaks during the film, otherwise you'll ruin the experience. (Despite the length of the film, it actually flies by quite quickly and leaves you wanting more.)
"We may be through with the past, but the past is not through with us."
The film alternates between various characters throughout an entire day to show the similarities of the tragedies that befall them and the overall themes of emotions each of them share: childhood abuse, love starvation, unfulfilled ambitions, resentment, sorrow, guilt, grief, regret, etc. The characters go through several scenes of open monologue discussions with one another, sharing their darkest secrets and most hidden inner feelings as the movie blossoms and overwhelms you with their lack of dishonesty and self-disclosure. However, after you see the film once, you will never have the same impact of emotions as you did upon your first viewing.
"I'm quietly judging you."
Other than Supertramp, I'm not too particularly fond of the music used in the film, especially those songs performed by Aimee Mann; her voice just gets annoying after a while. But there were splendid performances by all, especially by Jim Kurring as the straight, noble cop that appeals to everyone. Also, the film gives me a legitimate reason to hate Julianne Moore; she's a crazy bitch in this movie.
"I will not apologize for what I am. I will not apologize for what I want." -
MCT:August 9, 2008This movie is a gigantic piece of crap! Tom Cruise proves once again that post 80's Tom Cruise SUCKS ASS! This movie makes no sense, is slow, very boring and seems to be mostly an artsy fartsy attempt at a cinematic film!
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MCT:August 7, 2008
Magnolia is a wonderful depiction of life; the problems and the wonderful things that can happen. The cast is superb. I personally liked Tom cruise and Julianne Moore's characters the most but that's because they are some of my favorite actors and the movie just seemed to show more depth about those characters.
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MCT:July 28, 2008
PTA's well-constructed piece of cinema. The cast are brilliant with the likes of Tom Cruise and John C. Reilley giving some of their best performances. It's a miserable and sad film with most of the cast experiencing hell on Earth, but the film deals with themes of hope and humanity. PTA is in great form inter-cutting and intertwining the several character's stories linking them together and creating one long story. The highlight being an unexpected climax, which I believe is among one of the greatest moments in the history of cinema. This is a very very long film.
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MCT:July 26, 2008
Great film with a kaleidoscope of characters in a very strange situation. Fantastic acting also, particularly by William H. Macy, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly and Tom Cruise.
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MCT:July 26, 2008
A wonderful movie. The whole cast is flawless and the direction and writing from P T Anderson is some of the best I've seen. A definite must see.
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MCT:July 24, 2008Didn't really do it for me although the directing and acting was superb. Just didn't find it interesting.
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MCT:July 23, 2008
The scars do last forever and the pain is felt equally be every person. This movie amazed me with such deep characterization. It's 3+ hours long but every little scene has it's purpuse. The parallel placing of the interconnected stories is done smoothly. The casting
couldn't been more perfect, even Tom Cruise achieved new levels in his acting.
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Comments
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ajischillinposted 90 days ago -
Magnolia is one of my top 10 all time favs but how can you compare PT Anderson with Tarantino?!?! They have a different style!
Im a PT Anderson fan but im also a Tarantino fan..I refuse to say which one is best!posted 258 days ago -
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My second favorite film,its just great,the music its amaizing the characters,all of them are great,but the one that surprised my was Tom Crouise,in this movie you can see he is not just a "pretty face".
posted 344 days ago -
"These things happen every day"
No, they don't. These things do not happen every day. Seeing the 2nd greatest film of all-time doesn't happen everyday. It doesn't happen every month. But when it does happen, you will know.
My outdated dictionary's definition of ambition is "An eager desire for distinction, preferment, power, or fame." These nine words can be replaced by one: MAGNOLIA. But enough of my ranting and on to the review.
A game show. An interview. A date. A trip to the bar. A quest for redemption. A quest for suicide. These stories are all linked together, but they never fully come together. Some characters never meet and shouldn't because it make the film seem too full. (And Tom Cruise and Julianne Moore on the same screen would cause the world to implode.) Written and Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the brilliant director behind Boogie Nights, perfectly crafts this dramatic epic. Dylan Techinor deserved an Oscar for this brilliant editing. Each frame slides to the next with ease. Jon Brion deserved an Oscar for his score. Similar to a Philip Glass work, it feels as if we are approaching something, something that will have the viewer talking about it the next day.
Granted that the film is not for everyone. With 3 morality tales, a musical number, a biblical event, and a running time of three hours, it's a film, that tests a viewer's patience. Despite this, Anderson's direction and script are so grand, that even if you don't like the movie, you can recognize any praise and love it receives. It makes you laugh, cry, and just smile at the pure absurdity of life, It has the greatest cast ever put together for a film. Tom Cruise gives the best performance in the film, of his career, and the best supporting performance of the 90s. He completely inhabits this character and a lesser actor wouldn't be able to handle the emotional range of this character. William H. Macy perfectly inhabits the pathetic attitude of the character, John C. Reilly and Phiposted 394 days ago -
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This is the most confusing, weirdest, stupidest movie i have ever seen! And i thought tom cruise only stared in good movies!!
posted 756 days ago -
I LOOOVE IT, Ok, it is long, anyway I love the drama, and the end, its amazing! i LOVE HOW THE STORIES CONNECT, BUT THIS TECHNIQUE HAVE BEEN USED SO MANY TIMES.. Amores Perros, 21 Grams, 13 Conversations about one thing... etcc..
posted 761 days ago
