Paul Thomas Anderson's 2015 film, 'Inherent Vice', swings us back to the hazy and kaleidoscopically quirky era of 1970s Los Angeles. Blending comedy, crime, drama, and a dash of romance, this film is a cinematic rollercoaster that is as dizzying as it is delightful. As a dedicated movie-goer and fan of Anderson's work, I couldn't help but dive into this movie review with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia—it promised to be that 'far-out' experience we've come to expect from such a creative mind.
The plot? Oh boy! It feels like a trip on its own, tracing the adventures of one very groovy private investigator, Larry 'Doc' Sportello, played brilliantly by Joaquin Phoenix. Set against a backdrop of psychedelic vibes and rock 'n' roll, Doc is an endearing mess, tasked with unraveling the disappearance of his former flame—because why would it ever be simple, right? As he navigates through the fog of drugs and deception, the film teeters on the edge of madness. And somehow, underneath all these colorful layers, Anderson manages to stitch a coherent yet complex tapestry, exploring themes of love, loss, and conspiracy in the murkiness of the counterculture era.
Speaking of casting magic, Joaquin Phoenix absolutely nails the role of Doc—scraggly hair, glazed eyes, and all. It's an award-winning performance, capturing the perfect blend of confusion and competence that this character demands. And then there's Katherine Waterston, whose enigmatic charm adds a layer of grace and mystery. The cinematography by Robert Elswit is nothing short of art on celluloid, with each scene painting a snapshot of 1970s LA that feels both nostalgic and fresh. As for the screenplay—also by Anderson—it's a turbulent ride of witty banter and philosophical musings. You get to feel the chaos of Pynchon’s narrative gripping you through the lens of this cinematic analysis.
Now, if you're thinking, "Hey, this sounds familiar," you're not wrong. 'Inherent Vice' might echo vibes of films like 'The Big Lebowski' with its laid-back yet undercurrents-of-chaos energy or even 'Chinatown', with its labyrinthine mystery. But where 'Inherent Vice' stands different is its psychedelic heart, tying loose ends in a world where nothing quite ties up. Some might view Anderson's storytelling as an acquired taste—like jazz, maybe the point is kind of the music between the notes?
If you're a fan of stoner comedies or love a good crime bender wrapped in a funky vintage vibe, 'Inherent Vice' is a must-watch film. Be prepared to laugh, scratch your head, and trip out on a cinematic masterpiece only Anderson could whip up. And if you happen to get lost in the madness—well, wasn't that the point all along? So grab some popcorn and let this film critique lead you into the colorful pandemonium of 1970s LA.