COMPLETELY BAMBOOZLING
Cert 15
149 mins
BBFC advice: Contains drug use, strong language, sex, sex references
I have seen interviews with Joaquin Phoenix and Josh Brolin during which neither of them can adequately explain the plot of Inherent Vice.
And they were its stars.
Therefore, I have little shame in saying that it had me bamboozled from the beginning. In fact, I reckon I would need to see it at least three times to have a decent grasp of it.
Both actors reckon it is funny and the Oscar judges must agree because Paul Thomas Anderson has been nominated for his writing.
But I didn't laugh once.
Ok, I might have done during the scene inside a diner but I had seen it so many times during trailers that it washed over me.
In fact, I couldn't understand certain parts of the script's delivery. Particularly from the lips of Phoenix who reminded me of late-career mumbling Marlon Brando..
However, there are elements of Inherent Vice which I did enjoy.
Its 1970 backdrop is well executed, complete with wild hair and crazy sideburns and it has a intoxicating soundtrack.
Brolin is the pick of the cast as a punchy yet vulnerable senior cop. He is all bluster for the cameras but it's a different matter away from them, particularly at home.
He crosses swords with Phoenix's private detective as they both investigate the disappearance of a property developer and his mistress (Katherine Waterston).
The story behind the story involves extreme politics, a missing musician (Owen Wilson) and an international drug smuggling operation.
Inherent Vice goes off on tangent after tangent. Some stuck with me and some just left me scratching my head.
It struck me that it was a movie which was trying way too hard or perhaps I was.
Josh Brolin on Inherent Vice: "It is like taking a massive bong-hit and watching Chinatown. It's a fun movie if you allow yourself to just let it go and watch and amazing amalgamation of scenes and characters and if you want to get into it there's actually a labyrinth to follow."
Reasons to watch: Josh Brolin is as good as ever as a square-headed cop
Reasons to avoid: It is so difficult to work out what is going on
Laughs: a couple of chuckles
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 5.5/10