Magnolia (1999)

Best Film of 1999.

I am not sure if I highlighted that enough, but here it is - my fortieth viewing of this film, and it continues to send goosebumps up my spine.  Not only does Paul Thomas Anderson prove that he has the ability to tackle an enormous cast, but also an emotional punch worthy of any Oscar winning director.  HOW HAS THIS MAN NOT WON AN OSCAR yet?  Important questions, his films consistently receive strong raves from critics, and are always nominated, but never seem to get their full rewards.  Anderson's ability far exceeds that which we have seen in a long time, the only current director out there to rival that of Anderson would be Charlie Kaufman - and the two of them elaborating together - WOWSERS.  Enough with the possible, let's talk about this film - Magnolia.  

From the opening narration, until that faint smile at the end, Paul Thomas Anderson successfully transforms a three-hour drama into something of an event.  From a singing cast, to raining frogs, to the brutal honest of daily living - he pulls you into these people's lives - allowing you to live there for one short night - and learn everything possible about them.  This is more than just your typical Pulp Fiction-esque film, this is more than just famous people catching the "ahh" from the audience, this is a venue for great actors to demonstrate their ability.  Julianne Moore, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, John C. Reilly, the ever changing Tom Cruise, and even the late Jason Robards give us something to consider, ponder, and enjoy.  What about Melora Walters, best known from her role in "Big Love" gives a stand-alone performance in this feature.  Anderson takes these actors, gives them freedom, and produces greatness.  Yet, the acting is only one leg of this amazing table.  From a directing standpoint, there is so much for the eyes to enjoy.  Anderson's control of the camera, allowing you to nearly be another character as you fly through the hallways and into their faces.  This is a character driven film, but it also heavily depends on how our fearless leader chooses to guide us through - and Anderson does it with the greatest of ease.  He never quite gives us the full piece of the pie - thus we are always salivating for more.

Arguably the most forgotten film over the ages, Magnolia boasted a new range of actors that are currently HUGE names in the business and in Hollywood.  These are actors that win awards, demonstrate raw talent, and continually impress.  If you need a point of reference, see what Paul Thomas Anderson did for Daniel Day Lewis - need I say more.  See what Paul Thomas Anderson did for Adam Sandler (a role that surprised us all) - and what he has done for countless others.  He is a bold fresh director that isn't afraid to take risks and push the envelope.  This was a three hour film, but it only felt like an hour and a half.  I could have watched another three with PT behind the wheel.  I reference this film to the ability shown in "Angels in America" - if that mini-series was a feature film - it would have won awards.  If Magnolia would be released today, everyone - not just Tom Cruise, would win awards.  It would sweep in all categories.  It would win music, actor, actress, supporting actor, supporting actress, director and film (and probably some technical ones as well - he did use frogs people) - but it was released in 1999 and our cinematic world wasn't ready quite yet for this.  We were still reeling after Pulp Fiction and all the similar films to surround it. 

My FILM CLUB group watched this film, and there was somebody in the group that stood up proudly and gave this film a 9 - a rating she has never done before.  This is a film that will touch the hearts of anyone that is willing to dedicate the time.  It is more than just a film  -- it is an experience.  An experience of sight, sound, smells, and touch.  What a powerful film this proved to be.  To end this crazy rant - let me say - look for all the Exodus 8:2 references seen and unseen - it will change this movie from a single view to a HUGE repeatable cinematic journey.

I decided to watch this film when I found it in my film book "Movie Awards" and I couldn't have been happier.  This was the perfect film for right now - and I cannot wait to watch it again.  A definate buy on blu-ray when released - this now ranks among my top films ever.  Paul Thomas Anderson - you made a believer out of me.  Simply put - a green mark with blue stars.  Easy.