AFI Fest

Smiley Face

Arclight Cinemas

Sunday, November 11, 2007

 

(SFX: Bong gurgling sounds permeate the background)

 

REVIEWER

(slow and slurred)

 

Okay, so what was I saying again? (Pause) Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, right. Smiley Face! Okay, so like it’s been weeks since I’ve seen this movie, right, man?

And I know I was supposed to write a little blog about it and post it on I.E’s  website immediately for everyone to run out and read and then rush to see the flick, ya know? I mean it is Gregg Araki’s most accessible film in a career that’s spawned some of the most original and entertaining independent features that I have ever seen, man: The Living End, Mysterious Skin, Totally F***** Up! (Laughs) Of course I’ve got to write about it. This is a film that deserves attention right away, man. You see, this is a film that deserves the proper critical dissection on every aspect, from Araki’s fast-paced and humorous direction to the truly awe-inspiring and down-right outrageous star performance by Anna Farris. The story’s so simple, man: a young stoned actress accidentally eats twelve of her roommate’s cupcakes before realizing that they, too, have been laced with the mary-jane. What follows is an account of how she tries to accomplish the rest of her day’s tasks. And you and I both know that’s not gonna be too easy, you know what I am saying? Sure you do. You see, the story is so simple that it can easily be overlooked. But it shouldn’t.  And I won’t. But, there something about really going into details about the film that makes it feel less fun. So, let’s say I’m being lazy. Let’s say that I’m getting off easy. Let’s say … well, anything you want, just make it a little bit quieter, my head hurts. But here’s what it all means, man.  Here it is. All I want you to know about Smiley Face is this:

 

(SFX: Bong gurgling sounds rise again.)

 

REVIEWER (cont.)

Um… what was I saying again? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Smiley Face.

 

Cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Overture”