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Storytelling (2002)
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Reviews Counted:89
Fresh:47
Rotten:42
Average Rating:5.6/10
Rated: R [See Full Rating] for strong sexual content, language and some drug use
Runtime: 87 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:Jan 25, 2002 Limited
Box Office: $850,758
Synopsis: Director Todd Solondz (WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE, HAPPINESS) presents this characteristically bleak and darkly comic drama in two distinct parts. The first story, "Fiction" stars Selma Blair as Vi,... Director Todd Solondz (WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE, HAPPINESS) presents this characteristically bleak and darkly comic drama in two distinct parts. The first story, "Fiction" stars Selma Blair as Vi, a confused university student who engages in an impulsive tryst with her Pulitzer Prize-winning professor (Robert Wisdom) after arguing with her cerebral palsy-afflicted boyfriend (Leo Fitzpatrick). The second (and longer) tale, "Non-Fiction," stars Paul Giamatti as Toby, a down-on-his-luck documentary filmmaker who turns his camera on Scooby (Mark Webber), an unmotivated teenager, and his suburban New Jersey family. At times even more controversial and confrontational than Solondz's previous films, STORYTELLING bluntly addresses issues such as race, sex, physical impairment, education, censorship, and exploitation, while not-so-subtly referencing and parodying both AMERICAN BEAUTY and AMERICAN MOVIE (whose own Mike Schank appears in the film). Cannily aware of both his admirers and detractors, Solondz has taken the intriguing step of criticizing his own work within the creative confines of the two stories. As with HAPPINESS, the director has assembled an impressive ensemble cast that also includes John Goodman, Julie Hagerty, Franka Potente, and Lupe Ontiveros. As a counterpoint to the often-glum proceedings, a bright, airy soundtrack is provided Belle and Sebastian and songwriter Nathan Larson. [More]
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Selma Blair, Mark Webber, Leo Fitzpatrick
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Selma Blair, Mark Webber, Leo Fitzpatrick, Robert Wisdom, John Goodman, Julie Hagerty, Noah Fleiss, Jonathan Osser, Lupe Ontiveros, Aleksa Palladino, Mike Schank, Franka Potente, Xander Berkeley
Director: Todd Solondz
Director: Todd Solondz
Screenwriter: Todd Solondz
Producer: Ted Hope, Christine Vachon
Composer: Nathan Larson
Studio: Fine Line Features
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Reviews for Storytelling
Solondz is so intent on hammering home his message that he forgets to make it entertaining.
Todd Solondz: The world doesn't need him around, but as long as he's here we may as well have some laughs.
Director Todd Solondz has made a movie about critical reaction to his two previous movies, and about his responsibility to the characters that he creates.
There are unnervingly fine performances from Selma Blair as the aspiring fiction writer and from Mark Webber as Scooby.
It feels like a transitional film for a director with something to get off his chest, and whose best work is hopefully yet to come.
Solondz is a courageous social commentator and a canny provocateur at the same time. He'll never get to Hollywood if he stays on this track, but cinema will be a lot duller if he ever mends his incendiary ways.
With Storytelling, Solondz has made another deeply personal film while treading familiar misanthropic ground.
That Storytelling has value cannot be denied. Not even Solondz's thirst for controversy, sketchy characters and immature provocations can fully succeed at cheapening it.
Going over the top while sustaining a poker-faced tone, Solondz makes sure that whether you love or hate what you see, you can't ignore it.
Solondz is a master of backing you into a queasy corner and tickling you until you puke, a dubious but noteworthy talent.
With a confrontational stance, Todd Solondz takes aim on political correctness and suburban families.
| 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 |
| 58% 58% | 9 |
| 44% 44% | Jennifer's Body |
| 58% 58% | A Perfect Getaway |
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