The film takes way too long to get anywhere on a continuous basis, and so the film is pretty tedious till 2/3rds of the way - Plot Point 2. It is brilliantly filmed, but tiresome and needed a rewrite or two. For a first film, Mangold shows the potential that gave us Walk the Line or the light and fun Knight and Day (Tom Cruise hanging/swinging upside down saying "I got this" was alone, worth the movie) but still, a rewrite was in order to tighten this film up.
Interestingly, Harry held her own as well, but the fantasy he made Liv Tyler into simply detracted from the seriousness of shyness, loneliness, depression, fear, self-examination and searching for forward movement that the main character goes through for too long in the film. It caused the meandering feel that made you want to turn away from it.
To his credit, the Director is very clear about the proper use of music, and never detracts from its power with over-use or it being too loud, a skill that is completely lost on 2/3rds of today's Directors.
I'm glad Mangold grew into his full power. This was a good, solid start.
Interestingly, Harry held her own as well, but the fantasy he made Liv Tyler into simply detracted from the seriousness of shyness, loneliness, depression, fear, self-examination and searching for forward movement that the main character goes through for too long in the film. It caused the meandering feel that made you want to turn away from it.
To his credit, the Director is very clear about the proper use of music, and never detracts from its power with over-use or it being too loud, a skill that is completely lost on 2/3rds of today's Directors.
I'm glad Mangold grew into his full power. This was a good, solid start.