MovieChat Forums > The Brown Bunny (2003) Discussion > probably the best american film of the p...

probably the best american film of the past decade


As we all know, there really hasn't been many American films that are worth watching, aside from a Giuseppe Andrews film or a Damon Packard film or a James Fotopolous film. Aside from those geniuses, all the best films I've seen have come from elsewhere (mainly Japan -- anyone seen the 2001 film Eureka? Might be the best movie EVER MADE).

However, in watching this film again last night, I am completely blown away. I LOVE this movie. It's an incredible picture. A totally perfect film. I really can't stand Gallo, he gets on my nerves, so I'm saying this as someone who isn't even a Gallo fan in the slightest. Great *beep* movie, really haunted me.

Highly reccomended to everyone.

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Thank you! Aside from the immature people who jabber on about the sex scene, people who actually watch the film and absorb it usually use "haunting" as the only way to describe it; which is very true. It's one of the only words that I can think of when trying to describe the film. Perhaps as time goes on, this film will gain some appreciation for all of its aspects and elements; not JUST the BJ scene.

¡Buena suerte!

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[deleted]

I'm glad I am not the only one who saw the Warhol references here! The camerawork, lingering, close-ups; it all reminded me of Warhol. The theatrical trailer for the film was done in a split screen, ala Chelsea Girls, and the DVD disc has a Warholian print of Gallo on it as well. I'm assuming there was some sort of influence here... love Chelsea Girls, by the way. I'll have to look into the two films you mentioned.

¡Buena suerte!

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I'd have to vehemently disagree with you there.

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[deleted]

Wow, cool thread. It's good to see people discussing the film intelligently whether they liked it or not. To me, it may not be the best American film of the past decade, but it's definitely in the top 10. It challenges the viewer on a level beyond anything I've ever seen, and the payoff is worth it.

Here's why I think it's a great movie. There have been many films that use a similar structure, beginning at the denouement and working their way back in time to the climax. But I've rarely seen a film that starts at the denouement and moves further away from the climax, getting progressively slower & moribund without even hinting if there ever was/will be a climax at all. Only at the very last instant does it surprise us with that revelation which suddenly explains & justifies the preceding 90 mins of malaise.

As with a murder mystery, those who walk out early have indeed wasted their time. Those who make it to the end with an open mind are rewarded with the solution to the puzzle.

The first time watching it, I had a really tough time. It didn't seem like it was going anywhere, and my lack of compassion/understanding for the lead character almost put me to sleep. Then wham, suddenly it's all explained. I watched it a second time, and the same long "boring" scenes the 1st time were suddenly full of meaning & poetry. It's been a long time since a filmmaker has been able to fool me like that. I do agree with the OP that no American film has come close in recent years. I would sooner compare this film to the Kurosawa masterpiece IKIRU (1952) which depresses us "pointlessly" for 2 hours before suddenly hitting us with the grand revelation that puts it all into perspective.

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[deleted]

Don't use the word moribund if you don't know what it means.

Just what do you think it means, little boy? Hint: it has nothing to do with a tuxedo.

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