the_eel

half hour documentary filmed by spike jonze during the making of the music video also called "whats' up, fatlip?". consists of hand-held mini dv footage(or some other poor quality format) of Fatlips' monologues. He is a very charismatic person, who can certainly tell a story. His ex-bandmates say that he really is crazy, and some scenes make you wonder about his sanity, especially being talked into walking around LA in a trench coat and diaper while sipping liquor and mumbling incoherently. Fatlip talks repeatedly about being at the end of his career and the lack of financial success he has had, without sounding too bitter. Which is an interesting side to the music industry I hadn't really thought about, as everyone looks well off on cribs. A personal highlight was him telling the story that inspired his lyrics on 'oh sh!t' off bizarre ride II. a throughly enjoyable disposable documentary.

I saw this film yesterday and i was genuinely impressed. I haven't read the source stories so I can't comment on it as an adaptation, but cinematically it's a success. It deals with horrific events without glamour or lust. The more harrowing scenes are not graphic, however I was still shocked. This probably has more to do with my responces to the situations rather than any bloodlust on the directors part. The three child actors who play Jeremiah all give excellent performances, showing his growth from wide-eyed innocent to sexually confused/ing teenager. I think this is Asia Argento's second film, but i felt it to be a mature work(whoever your dad is). Watching I was aware that is was quite segmented, it was also shot and edited like a music video (bleached skies and time lapse galore). The various cameos are good value. I was thoroughly moved by this film and hope it is successful.