WEIRDLAND: "God Bless America" by Bobcat Goldthwait: a violent movie about kindness

Saturday, May 12, 2012

"God Bless America" by Bobcat Goldthwait: a violent movie about kindness

"God Bless America" trailer, (2011) directed by Bobcat Goldthwait, starring Joel Murray and Tara Lynne Barr Joel Murray, Tara Lynne Barr, and Bobcat Goldthwait at "God Bless America" screening at the Alamo Drafthouse for SXSW 2012. Aiding in the searing of audience to screen effect that works so well in God Bless America‘s favor is the chemistry found in its lead duo, Joel Murray and Tara Lynne Barr. Murray plays Frank straight as an arrow. In his opening monologue, we’re introduced to his droll worldview, as personified by the hyper-annoying neighbors on the other side of his paper-thin walls. He’s a tragic figure, but even Murray’s expressionless moments are full of life and energy that move us toward those inevitable, shocking moments of violence. Like any great tragic figure, the lights are on behind Frank’s dead, weathered eyes. The fire rages beneath a stoic disposition. If Murray were not already such a well-regarded big screen player, it would be right to say that this is a map-placing role. Put simply, Murray is exceptional. Opposite Murray’s brilliantly calm performance is lightning in a bottle as personified by Tara Lynne Barr. To say that she’s got spunk is an understatement. And if calling her “Juno” didn’t send her into a homicidal monologue about Diablo Cody that will make the most dedicated fans of 'the stripper with too much self-steem' take up arms, it would be an apt way to describe her wit.
  In press throughout this film’s tour from its premiere at Toronto last year to this re-cut premiere at SXSW, Goldthwait has at times referenced Peter Finch’s speech at the end of Network as an inspiration. With God Bless America, he’s created the feature-length manifestation of Finch’s rant. Agree or disagree with the message — which, again, is simply that the world needs kindness — it’s a magnetic film that provides 100 minutes of subversive, blood soaked fun. It’s the film that so many other directors have tried to make, but failed because they allowed the politics to get in the way. Source: www.filmschoolrejects.com

2 comments :

Kowalski said...

Yeah I dug it. Watch out for Tara! Natural Born Killers with morals. Heh heh...

Elena said...

welcome, Kowalksi!