"Nicke and Norah's Infinite Playlist" and Indie Films

This is an interesting article about independent films and how they're becoming increasingly derivative. After seeing "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" last night, my partner and I were remarking on its similarity to "Juno". We really liked both movies, but it's impossible to ignore the similarities. Both feature animated opening credits that imitate doodles in a notebook, both star Michael Cera, both have indie music soundtracks and "quirky" teenage characters who fall in love. At first I was excited that Michael Cera's character in "Nick and Norah" plays in an all-gay (except for him) band, and that the gay male characters weren't stereotyped. I ultimately felt, however, that the gay characters were being used solely as another quirk, another "eccentricity," just another way to make a joke. Cera's character, Nick, keeps getting mistaken for gay - smirk, smirk; one of the gay characters hits someone after being taunted - wow, isn't he brave, just like a "normal" guy - but then - cue the stereotype - he cries because his hand hurts.

This article also describes the development of indie films, which is pretty interesting.

From Indie Chic to indie, Sheesh

And, just because I can, here's the trailer for "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist":

Burn After Reading

Just saw Burn After Reading, the Coen brothers' new movie. I give it a B. The employees at a gym called Hardbodies find a CD with what appears to be secret information about the CIA. They try to return it to its owner, at a price. Craziness ensues. It takes place in Washington, D.C. It had quite a few amusing moments, especially toward the end. John Malkovich was very good and I loved Brad Pitt in it. George Clooney gives a strange performance, with a lot of physical ticks, in a role that isn't very likeable. Actually none of the characters are likeable, except perhaps the gym manager. Tilda Swinton played Malkovich's wife and Clooney's lover. She seems to be making a late career specialization in cold suit-wearing bitches. (e.g. Michael Clayton) Anyway, it was fun, but not great.

Of the previews, I thought Body of Lies with Leonardo DiCaprio looked good, and the Harvey Milk bio pic with Sean Penn in the lead role.

It seems that you're forced to watch an advertisement for the National Guard whenever you go to a movie. The one they've got on now seems to equate driving NASCAR with patriotism.