Style over substance is nothing new. But if it must happen, shouldn't the style be original?
November (2005)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:75
Fresh:23
Rotten:52
Average Rating:5/10
Consensus: Murky and too artsy for its own good, November ends up being a case of style with little substance.
Theatrical Release:Jul 22, 2005 Limited
Synopsis: This stylish thriller, which was shot on mini-DV in only 15 days in guerilla manner, displays a moody aestheticism and cohesive vision that suggests a bigger budget. The claustrophobic interiors,... This stylish thriller, which was shot on mini-DV in only 15 days in guerilla manner, displays a moody aestheticism and cohesive vision that suggests a bigger budget. The claustrophobic interiors, spare soundtrack, and innovative lighting make the most of a compelling, challenging script that leaves the viewer perennially uncertain as to what is real. Courtney Cox-Arquette, demonstrating her dramatic chops in a drastic shift from her FRIENDS character, stars as Sophie Jacobson, whose boyfriend Hugh (James Le Gros, DRUGSTORE COWBOY, LOVELY & AMAZING) is shot and killed one night in a convenience store while she waits in the car. Traumatized, Sophie is plagued by headaches and strange episodes that increasingly impair her everyday life. Resuming her job as a photography teacher at the local college, she is confronted by a photograph taken the night of the shooting. When she investigates to find out who took it, the answer sets off a string of events that defy explanation. The narrative unfolds in a nonlinear way, traveling both directions in time from the central event of the shooting, recalling in equal parts MEMENTO and MULHOLLAND DRIVE. The couple's history is elaborated, providing new insight into the events surrounding that fateful night, while certain episodes repeat themselves with subtle variations, leaving audiences to parse the truth for themselves. As new elements are constantly introduced, everyone starts to question Sophie's sanity--including the audience. Finally, reality comes unglued and the shock of Sophie's trauma is explored in a new way. [More]
Starring: Courteney Cox-Arquette, Anne Archer, James LeGros, Michael Ealy
Starring: Courteney Cox-Arquette, Anne Archer, James LeGros, Michael Ealy, Nora Dunn
Director: Greg Harrison
Director: Greg Harrison
Screenwriter: Benjamin Brand
Producer: Danielle Renfrew
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
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Reviews for November
Whatever we think one minute is utterly meaningless, without connection, the next.
Artsy but unconvincing. November keeps viewers guessing, but not in a good way.
Even the gamest viewers will become frustrated if they're not let in on the joke.
[Director Greg Harrison] wants to make something profound, creepy, transcendent and aesthetically cool out of mighty thin derivative material here.
Wears its solemnity like a cloak, but I for one am calling emperor’s new clothes.
Director Harrison gives November a terrific look, with an extra helping of dark and moody. In fact, the look of the movie is probably its most impressive aspect
Excruciatingly, the film disgorges its crime and variations of it again and again. We'd prefer more detective work and less of what plays out as a grisly loop.
It's supposed to look stylish, a film noir... but a psychological thriller cannot live by mood and atmosphere alone.
A detective investigating the shooting comments on some photos that pertain to the case: 'It's a shame. They're almost too arty for their own good.' The same can easily be said about November.
A pileup of stylistic audio and visual gimmicks and special effects, all in need of compelling characters and a story to hook us.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 77% 77% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 82% 82% | Paranormal Activity |
| 57% 57% | 9 |
| 44% 44% | Jennifer's Body |
| 58% 58% | A Perfect Getaway |
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