The fourth film is Alex Ross Perry’s Listen Up Philip. Philip (Jason Schwartzman) is an egocentric novelist, thriving on his own debatable greatness, but rarely focusing on the consequences of his narcissistic actions. As his second novel is working its way through the publishing process, Philip grows more and more frustrated with his life in the big city, and his relationship with his girlfriend, Ashley (Elizabeth Moss), an aspiring photographer. Philip’s literary hero, Ike Zimmerman (played wonderfully by the great Jonathan Pryce), offers Philip refuge at his woodland summer home. What transpires is an unflinching examination of the yearning of an artist, and more importantly, the destructive path one’s ego can create when not kept under control.
The film falls into a style associated with the mumblecore movement; a
visual method inspired by John Cassavetes, with a Woody Allen/ Noah
Baumbach-esque dialogue, delivered by a cast born for their roles. It’s
wonderful to see Philip completely unaware of how boorish and
inconsiderate he can be, and through other characters we see deeper into
his personality. His relationship with Ashley – a character who gets to
say the things we want to say to him – exposes his immaturity and
self-centered nature.
Meanwwhile, his time with Ike – who is more of a
narcissist than Philip – grants us a window into the future. Philip has
two options, learn from his mistakes and be a better person, or continue
down his current path and become an unhappy, bitter author, like Ike.
Definitely see this movie to find out which option he chooses. Listen
Up Philip is available on Amazon Instant Video and iTunes.
No comments:
Post a Comment