*** Official SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK (2008) Review Thread (1 Viewer)

[Michael Reuben]

Never heard of it.

Seriously, I don't know how to discuss Synecdoche. I have yet to read a review, positive or negative, that capture the film's bizarre vibe. I had a sense of what I was getting into from the title, from the trailer and from that wild sequence in Adaptation where the Charlie Kaufmann character is trying to decide where to begin and ends up starting at the very beginning of the world. But even then I wasn't fully prepared for how far the film takes its central premise of a writer so devoted to being "truthful" that he can never finish.

Watching it isn't a comfortable experience. I suspect most people won't like it, if for no other reason than that the end is about as clear as The Sopranos' cut to black.

 

[Kirk Tsai]

 

[Josh Pounds]

I am pretty positive the "theme" of this movie is about self-reflection and reflection on the world you live and the existence you happen to inhabit. Kaufman uses many devices -- both played out emotionally and (to my delight) literally.

God I love Charlie Kaufman.

I believe the gist of the movie might be summed up with this quote, to whom I am unsure it is credited:

"It seems that I know that I know. What I would like to see is the eye that knows me when I know that I know that I know."

 

[Robert Crawford]

This thread is now the Official Review Thread for "Synecdoche, New York (2008)". Please post all HTF member reviews in this thread.

Any other comments, links to other reviews, or discussion items will be deleted from this thread without warning!

If you need to discuss those type of issues then I have designated an Official Discussion Thread.



Crawdaddy

 

[Chuck Mayer]

I finally saw this, and found the time well-spent, if a bit overwhelming. What is interesting to me about Kaufman's work is how emotionally strong it is, in the midst of complex narratives and wild ideas. It is certainly not a film I have even a decent grasp of after a single viewing. But I tend to want to purchase it. It's not about the complexities of the structure, but how they make you feel.

PSH and the remainder of the supporting cast are exceptional. The direction is assured, and the film is pretty incredible. I'm not recommending it unless you have seen an enjoyed previous Kaufman films. But if you enjoyed one of more of those, you'll probably find a lot in this.

 

[Bryan^H]

I think you are the first reviewer to accurately describe the theme of this film.
Kaufman makes films that won't let you off the hook. If you pay the ticket price to see one, be prepared to use your brain. Not in a scientific way, but rather a reflective "why are we here?", and "what is life?" way.

Synecdoche NY screams with sadness, bad choices, and ugly realities.
But it does so in a quiet, and eloquent manner. You won't see films like this very often.
Grade: A