Starring Nicole Kidman, Joaquin Phoenix, Alison Folland, Matt Dillon, Casey Affleck, Illeana Douglas, Dan Hedaya
Directed by Gus Van Sant
Expectations: None.
This is a mildly entertaining movie about a pretty girl who has high aspirations to be on television. She’ll do anything. Simple enough. Usually with this type of film, there’s some level of intrigue, but this is not the case with To Die For. The film is told through a pseudo-documentary style and you know pretty much what happens in the first couple of minutes. I’m okay with that, as long as the characters are interesting, but I’m sorry to say that they aren’t. Nicole Kidman’s character is the only one even remotely absorbing and she does well in her role, with some exceptional moments. Most of the other players are overacted caricatures of American stereotypes with Matt Dillon and Joaquin Phoenix battling for the main offender trophy. Illeana Douglas is the best of the supporting cast, but then I always enjoy her in anything, so I could be biased.
This is all coupled with Gus Van Sant’s ugly, boring camera work and editing, making it readily apparent that this one just wasn’t made for me. I can say one thing about Van Sant’s work, he’s consistent. His shot selection never ceases to frustrate and annoy me. I had seen this before when it came out and I didn’t like it then. I like it less now. Avoid it, unless you generally like Van Sant’s work or you want to see Joaquin Phoenix or Casey Affleck in early roles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK7sCD6jJa4
I have seen this film once. And once was probably enough, although I didn’t dislike it as much as you seem to have done.
I didn’t like it the first time, but my reaction wasn’t nearly as angry. This time it was all compounded and it made my reaction more potent. Maybe I am being too harsh, but for me, this was awful.
I thought this film is one of Van Sant’s best, because it doesn’t get too much into the tone, as it does more withe story, and its witty screenplay. Sorry that you really disliked it.