Synecdoche, New York

Last week, my friends and I met for our second monthly movie-club. This time it was my friend David's turn to pick, and he went with 2008's Synecdoche, New York written and directed by Charlie Kaufman and starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Samantha Morton, and Michelle Williams. The film centers around Caden (Hoffman), a theater director who is struggling with his personal life when he receives a grant to produce any type of play that he would like. He uses this grant to create a life-sized replica of New York City all within a warehouse.

This movie was so complicated and confusing, and intricate, and wonderful! The acting performances by all involved in the film were incredible, especially by Philip Seymour Hoffman who absolutely stole the show. Samantha Morton delivered what I felt should have been an Oscar nominated performance and Hoffman's was the best I have ever seen from him. What stood out most to me was how well written the movie was which should not be a surprise as Kaufman is the brilliant mind behind Adaptation and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. For most of the movie, I was pretty confused and unsure of exactly what was going on, but it became clearer as the story unfolded that this was not just a story about a depressed theater director, but more a commentary on life. This is the type of film that leaves you thinking about it for many days after seeing it. There were many instances of subtle symbolism as well as not-so-subtle symbolism, such as Hazel's (Morton) house literally being on fire for the entirety of the film to symbolize that she makes it work despite her life being up in flames. 

If you are in the mood for a real thinker of a movie, I recommend checking this one out. It is currently available for rent on Prime video.