Stinking Heaven

It's funny when you come across a film this good with such a low imdb rating. Saw this film at a Mezzanine screening a little while back, q&a with Nathan, moderated by Jonathan Lethem. Was taken completely off guard by it in the most pleasant way. Not exactly sure why I'm leaving this review other than the fact that it feels totally disrespectful and misunderstood to have such a low rating here. Never mind any newfound relevancy of the cast (as amazing and talented as they are, and as much as they make the film what it is...), the film stands on its own as a masterpiece. If you're a fan of Cassavetes or the Dogma 95 films you will likely love and respect this film. At the very least it will jibe.

I can somewhat understand the enthusiasm for Nathan Silver's Stinking Heaven, and his body of work in general, but I have to say it represents a trend in Cinema I wish would go away. In the specific case of SH, the performances, narrative, and at times camera work and editing, are pretty skillfully crafted. The film succeeds at evoking the early 90's time period, and does a reasonably good job of creating the drama of a sober living house. (At times things get a bit maudlinly over the top, enough yelling, screaming, and scenery chewing to make Tony Montana proud. To be fair, if you've ever spent time in or around sober living homes, it's not totally misplaced.) Nathan Silver clearly has some skill as a filmmaker. His first feature, The Blind, a very ambitious endeavor shot by a top notch DP, with strong actors, did not always work as a film. But it was certainly a glimpse of his potential. Made on a budget that would total almost all his films since, it certainly did not enjoy the festival or distribution success of his subsequent ouvre such as: Exit Elena, Soft in the Head, Uncertain Terms, and the best of the bunch Stinking Heaven. However, it had something these films lack imo, that is real ambition. Getting with the trend, still going after a decade plus, of the whole minimalist, mumblecore bowel movement each film deals in the microcosm of daily living mined by other auteurs like Joe Swanberg (completely devoid of talent other than sporting a classic Frankenstein, box style hair cut) and the Duplass Bros. I must say I think Mr. Silver is more talented Filmmaker than these guys but we won't get to see his real potential fully realized because he's found some validation following this trend.

While this film is certainly worthwhile, I'd like to see Nathan Silver do something a tad more dynamic, following up on the daring of his first feature rather coast on a tired, overwrought trend that has certainly run its course....

Director Nathan Silver has created a remarkable cinematic achievement with this film. It's a tight intense comedic drama that explores interpersonal relations and examines different characters places within a group dynamic. The entire cast gives wonderful performances that transcends conventional dramatic linearity and instead express deeper aspects of existence. The film functions as a mirror or a window through which the spectator can see deeper truths regarding group harmony versus individual distress and the performative sides to different forms of living ones life.

The cinematography works great in how it explores and disseminates individuals as well as the collective relationships and the performances from the actors, who are phenomenal over all. The use of music works really great as well.

Nathan Silver has created something really special with this form of artistic expression. Especially in how he manages to infuse the tragedy of this particular commune with loads of humour, all while maintaining a mood that's both lucid and surreal at the same time. He's without a doubt one of the most interesting directors working in American cinema today. I sense that he has the possibility to make a veritable masterpiece in his future.

This film assaulted my senses in an unpleasant way. Obnoxious noises, nausea inducing visuals, could almost smell the characters.

I didn't enjoy watching this. I didn't get anything positive out of the experience. I'm not going to pretend to see the point of this film. I've basically already forgotten it.

I was quite sleepy while watching which didn't help. It was like an awful sickly fever dream. Just gross and nasty and un-fun.

Stumbled upon this movie by accident. Was absolutely floored by it. Nathan Silver and his team have achieved greatness. It possesses a unique and fully formed voice. Hard to believe that this is the first film I've seen from Silver. Shot beautifully, expertly acted and full of gorgeous emotion. At times it is hilarious. However, a strong emotional core pulses throughout. The home video aesthetic served the material incredibly well. The rhythm is wild yet gripping, leading you towards a perfect end. Highly recommended. This picture is one of my all time favorite films. I cannot wait to see what this team does next.

-Andrew