The Party's Over (2003)
Rated: Not Rated
Runtime: 87 mins
Theatrical Release: Oct 1, 2003 Limited
Synopsis: Following 1993's THE LAST PARTY, this sequel called THE PARTY'S OVER, hosted by Philip Seymour Hoffman, explores United States politics during the 2000 presidential election. Interviews with Ralph Nader, Jesse Jackson, Tim Robbins, and Susan Sarandon are some of the highlights of this... Following 1993's THE LAST PARTY, this sequel called THE PARTY'S OVER, hosted by Philip Seymour Hoffman, explores United States politics during the 2000 presidential election. Interviews with Ralph Nader, Jesse Jackson, Tim Robbins, and Susan Sarandon are some of the highlights of this guided tour. Hoffman states that his reason for hosting the film is because he feels uninformed about the real differences between the Republican and Democratic parties, and the general public opinion of the government. Hoffman narrates and interviews in objective observer mode, leaning slightly to the left but not too far. Unlike the political documentarian Michael Moore, whose aggressive reporting often puts those he interviews on the spot and leads conversations to unravel secrets, Hoffman is shy and unobtrusive. This style lends openness and honesty to the film, while also keeping a distance from anything truly controversial. The film floats through election issues--from soft money to party platforms to the celebrity presence at some of the campaign events. And then moves into activism. It is the film's footage of protests in the streets, activist training camps, and conversations with young people about taking back their right to speak out on issues such as the environment, abortion, and gun laws, that are the film's most inspiring moments. THE PARTY'S OVER takes an informative roundabout look at politics in the United States at the turn of the 21st century. [More]
Genre: Education/General Interest
Starring: Robert Downey, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Courtney Love, Robert Downey, Ralph Nader
DVD Info
Release:
Apr 5, 2005
DVD Features:
- Keep Case
- Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
- [unspecified] - English
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentary - 1. Philip Seymour Hoffman & Rebecca Chailkin - Host, Producer
- Bonus Material - 1. Michael Moore, Eddie Vedder, Billy Baldwin
- 2. short feature, EAU
- Trailer - 1. Theatrical Trailer
- 2. GINGER AND CINAMMON
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Biographies
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
It's not that their arguments don't have weight, but by throwing out the balance, the filmmakers undermine their own position badly.
Its everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to liberal politics is its undoing.
The breadth of subjects covered precludes any response other than nebulous discontent.
Leitch's previous foray into political documentary, the sloppy, anarchic 'The Last Party' was overwhelmed by the juvenile antics of its host, Robert Downey Jr., Hoffman establishes a more sober tone, though the new film isn't without its lighter moments.
Ending well before 9/11, the film may offer a quaint enough portrait of politics as usual at the turn of the new century, though one that hardly seems helpful in the face of the world's new realities.
Apart from the obvious problem that findings from this period are already dated, the scatter-shot approach of filmmakers Donovan Leitch and Rebecca Chaiklin gives too many issues too little time.
If it accomplishes anything at all -- and it's dubious -- The Party's Over proves what a fragmentalized, incompetent and inarticulate thing the Left in this country has become.
Highly entertaining and thought-provoking, but also frustrating -- which, ultimately, might be the point.
Those seeking anything resembling a real discussion of the issues had best seek elsewhere.
While it's interesting enough, this social soiree could've used more planning.
Hoffman’s presence as a familiar face gives us a personality to latch onto, that of the man whose support in countless fictional films we relied upon.
An amazingly candid and insightful look at the contemporary American political process.
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by: Veruca 10/28/03


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