Woodshock

It's always very hard for me to rate and review these types of films, but I'll try my absolute best here. A lot of people will not like this movie, as it is clearly not intended for the mass appeal. These art films rely almost entirely on aesthetic elements such as intricate and thought-provoking visuals, unconventional use of symbolism, creative directing, imaginative editing and experimental music. Here we have a surprisingly strong directorial debut by the Mulleavy sisters. The film is beautifully directed and edited all the way through. Some of the scenes are very artistic and aesthetically pleasing. The plot becomes hard to follow at times, but that is something you would totally expect in a film like this, as the main focus is clearly the art direction and production design. Peter Raeburn crafted a beautiful score that fits perfectly with the atmosphere and overall tone of the film. Acting is a bit weak at times by some of the supporting characters, but Kirsten Dunst delivers an amazing performance as you would expect from her in a leading role. If you're in the mood for a sad and melancholic arthouse flick, go ahead and give this one a chance, it might be a pleasant surprise.

There was a lot here with potential. Kirsten Dunst did a good job and the cinematography and production were actually really good.

The problem is although the film has a strong central premise it feels as though it is constantly searching for its fundamental story thread. It never quite manages to provide that compelling central part to the story which the other story threads can be anchored too. Even the main plot line of the grief stricken woman falling into a drug fueled fantasy feels more like a side plot to a missing central story. Its a shame, there really was a lot here to like but it ended up being a mediocre film as a result.

I can appreciate other people's "Art". The cinematography is the only positive about this movie... The story could have been good but it was so slow & just ridiculous... I tried, I really did but when it ended I was thinking, why? .. I love all of these actors.. I have loved watching all of their work.. They are each so very talented but even they couldn't make a bad script look good... The 3 starts are for Kirsten, Joe & Pilou who so very graciously agreed to do this movie! I hope they were each paid very well!

The cinematography is very well-done, and that's it for the positives because overall the film is a very slow-moving Wannabe Art Film that's poorly written and slowly devolves into an overblown, confusing downer with little or no meaning. Kirsten Dunst is a tremendous actress, but there is absolutely nothing in this screenplay for her to work with.

Think- Indica, as in, "in-duh!-ca".

I can't remember I last anticipated seeing a film as much as this. No theatrical release to speak of here in the UK, impossible to find on domestic dvd so ended up with a Dutch import. The IMDB score of 4.3 wasn't encouraging but I was still looking forward to seeing it.

In the end it was a real pleasure. Not a film you watch for narrative satisfaction but intensely atmospheric and a performance from Kirsten Dunst that kept you engaged from start to finish.

Beautiful to look at, listen to and experience. Well worth your time.