Magnolia (1999)

Magnolia

For a film that has a runtime of over three hours, I was extremely surprised by how I didn’t notice how long it was. Probably every film that’s two and a half or more, you usually feel some kind of drag somewhere. But not with this one. At least for me. It drew me in so perfectly, and the intro sets you up in an amazing way for the rest of the film. Every single second, I was completely sucked in, and my mind didn’t drift once. I was skeptical going in, because of how the storyline is essentially a bunch of subplots focusing on different characters. I’m not always a huge super fan of that, because sometimes it feels more like an anthology film or some kind of crazy non-linear storytelling that loses you. But not this. You have just enough time to get a sense of what’s going on with a certain person, and then it moves on to the next. You slowly see how everyone is connected. I honestly think this might be PTA’s best written film in terms of characters. Because it’s basically a character study, just for a bunch of people, opposed to one. It’s also one of the most perfectly casted and perfectly acted films ever. From Julianne Moore and Philip Seymour Hoffman, to William H. Macy and John C. Reilly. Everyone is worthy of recognition. But above all, Tom Cruise…..no hate against Michael Caine whatsoever, but he won Cruise’s Oscar. I think this is Tom Cruise’s best performance of all time. He’s unbearable and vulgar, yet shows a very vulnerable side towards the end. I’m blown away. Lastly, and like all PTA films, the score and soundtrack was amazingly gorgeous. There’s songs to fit the times and (somewhat) depressing mood, yet something a little whimsical to make the pace feel quick. Jon Brion, many kudos to you. Overall, I don’t think I have a single complaint about this. It’s got a great storyline with tons of themes and imagery (more specifically involving religion), the cast is insanely good, and it’s just….perfect. One of the best three hours I’ve ever spent. I would recommend it to all drama fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!