This film is full of beautiful atmospheric shots that keep it visually engaging. The acting is fine all round: Cate Blanchett is, as always, stellar, but the supporting cast is very strong and appealing. The intensity of the love between Cate B's 'Tracy' and Dustin Nguyen's 'Johnny' is riveting: you cannot look away when these 2 characters are working through their respective past hurts. Hugo Weaving's 'Lionel' portrays a convincingly wrenching vision of heroin withdrawal. The music and the pacing create a nearly unbearable tension.
But, the narrative is full of holes. As a story, the left-out gaps can be filled in by later reflection, but it's a fairly straightforward tale, with no need for confusion had the right parts been left in and others lopped out. A long film, great acting, superb atmosphere, and some good dialogue, but a sketchy narrative.
I'd recommend it anyway.
But, the narrative is full of holes. As a story, the left-out gaps can be filled in by later reflection, but it's a fairly straightforward tale, with no need for confusion had the right parts been left in and others lopped out. A long film, great acting, superb atmosphere, and some good dialogue, but a sketchy narrative.
I'd recommend it anyway.