Click to read the article
Gerry (2003)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:97
Fresh:58
Rotten:39
Average Rating:6.1/10
Consensus: The type of uncompromising film that divides filmgoers over whether it is profound or pretentious.
Theatrical Release:Feb 14, 2003 Limited
Synopsis: In Gus Van Sant's GERRY, a film more concerned with atmosphere and visual breadth than with story or plot, a frivolous hike through the desert evolves into an existential journey for two young men.... In Gus Van Sant's GERRY, a film more concerned with atmosphere and visual breadth than with story or plot, a frivolous hike through the desert evolves into an existential journey for two young men. The film features only two characters, both named Gerry and played by the film's co-creators Casey Affleck and Matt Damon. Driving through a desert populated with imposing rock formations and bordered by miles of sky, the two Gerrys stop to see an unspecified "thing" which they are unable to find. The two young men then attempt to return to their car, but cannot find the pathway back. As they wander through the increasingly difficult desert terrain, their journey strains their friendship and becomes an exploration that is clearly about more than just finding the car. After several commercial projects, GERRY is in some ways a return to roots for director Gus Van Sant. The motifs of moving clouds and the desert imagery may recall his early works--MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO and EVEN COWGIRLS GET THE BLUES--but GERRY is even more ambitious than those revered projects. Highly influenced by Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr (WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES), the film uses minimal dialogue and long, languishing shots to achieve a meditative mood. [More]
Starring: Casey Affleck, Matt Damon
Starring: Casey Affleck, Matt Damon
Director: Gus Van Sant
Director: Gus Van Sant
Screenwriter: Casey Affleck, Gus Van Sant
Producer: Dany Wolf
Composer: Arvo Pärt
Studio: ThinkFilm
Get This Movie
Rent DVD
Click on the "ADD" button to put this movie into your Netflix queue.
Buy DVD
Release:
Nov 11, 2003
Reviews for Gerry
There's hardly any dialogue, some wonderfully crafted scenes and miles and miles of hypnotic desert imagery, vast landscapes and a dreadfully poetic score.
Think of Gerry more as an experience rather than a movie, a virtual vacation from the tired crash-and-chase pulse of status-quo cinema.
A bold experiment from three men who don't have to take on this challenge but are driven to by their creative spirit.
The staggering beauty of the wilderness is set in contrapuntal rhythm with the staggering banality of the two Gerrys as they become more dispirited, more disoriented.
If a picture was ever worth 1000 words, this is it (but I doubt there are 1000 words of dialog here) - minimalist filmmaking at its best.
By turns daunting and absorbing, Gerry is about movement that seems hopeless, that takes you nowhere, that's increasingly slowed but also increasingly urgent.
Hiking for Godot: Van Sant's existential Blair Witch Project's daemon lurks within.
...there's no denying that Van Sant has crafted a film that's utterly unique.
I found it an invigorating journey, less like viewing a typical film than taking in a silent movie or (at times) a series of barely-moving photographs.
Frankly, I found it at times a beguiling effort, with references to the stark, ambiguous cinema of Iran or of the Dogma group.
Not since his first film, Mala Noche, has Van Sant produced a film so pure, uncompromising and ravishing to watch.
Likely to sharply divide critics, Gerry goes back to his indie roots with a minimalist work that carries itself almost entirely through the awesome yet austere visuals and sounds.
A rich, challenging mood piece that may not cohere thematically but takes us on a compelling, unique journey.
Those willing to venture off the beaten cinematic path may find this visually dazzling, intellectually stimulating film a rare and wondrous discovery.
Gerry is an open-ended and minimalist drama about identity, fate and the harsh realities of wilderness experiences recommended only for the adventuresome filmgoer with large reserves of patience.
An open-ended and minimalist drama about identity, fate and the harsh reality of wilderness experiences for only the most adventuresome filmgoer.
On the surface it may seem as barren as its desert, but underneath is a beautiful and surreal meditation.
Latest News for Gerry
January 21, 2009:
Five Favourite Films with James Franco
Having established his name in the Spider-Man movies, these days James Franco is clearly making some more personal career choices. He was in three films in 2008, notable for... More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 86% 86% | A Christmas Tale |
| 60% 60% | Paper Heart |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Fresh Links
Featured

MSN Movies offers a little background on the success of Disney Animation.

TIME takes a look back at the history of vampires on film.

Techland examines the visual splendor of Peter Jackson's upcoming film.

AOL put together a list of 10 recent news items that would be perfect as TV Movies.

Hollywood.com's C. Robert Cargill explores how remakes and reboots have warped our thinking.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic


