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What is a happy man?
Are there really happy people on the face of the earth? The obvious answer
would be, yes. But, after relinquishing the outside appeal of a person and
looking at the true meaning inside you are posed with the question “Are
there really happy people, or is the world fake and materialistic.” This is
the concept that Thirteen Conversations About One Thing grasps very
well, sometimes in a very bizarre nature. This film reminded me of Ghost
World, you like it and it’s uncanny whereabouts, yet it is very
depressing. Why you like it, you don’t know; but this was certainly a
wonderful film, despite the solemn cover it possesses.
With all said and
done, this turns out to be an extremely intelligent movie to say the least;
as all of Matthew McConaughey’s choices turn out to be. The plot that
Thirteen Conversations About One Thing has is best explained as a
diversion of worlds. Even though simple at its roots, the story has logic
behind it with a very gripping climax. It is hard to talk about because of
the many different ways it can be interpreted. Just like in The Road to
Perdition you have to decide who the antagonists and protagonists are
for yourself, the person you are pulling for is determined by your
personality and way of thinking alone.
The director, Jill
Sprecher had a very unique way of using the camera. It had almost no motion,
wherever the actors moved there would be a new and completely still camera.
This wasn’t a big budget job or anything, but when I was watching it just
felt right. Even though the content of the movie was somewhat dreary and
depressing, the way the direction was done and everything was posed, it just
made me feel good. This is an unexpectedly nice movie to watch at your
leisure.
The other theatrically
pleasing aspect of Thirteen Conversations About One Thing that I
enjoyed was the incredibly well-done acting. This movie had some big names
for such a small release…When was the last time we saw Matthew McConaughey
in a film in fewer than five hundred theatres. I don’t think, ever. Even
though he was better overall in Frailty, he was very good here and better
suited for this role. John Tuturo made a stunning comeback from Mr. Deeds
(not that Adam Sandler movies should be well acted). And the best of
everyone was Alan Arkin, he put on a wonderful performance, and should be
remembered for this part.
Thirteen
Conversations About One Thing is a definite candidate for the best
movie of the year. With mind-blowing direction and camera work, great
acting, and undeniable intelligence it is a superior work. “What is a happy
man?” is for you to find out for yourself; for it is a crime to not see this
movie…There is an answer.
-Danny, Bucket Reviews
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