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Tape (2001)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:89
Fresh:68
Rotten:21
Average Rating:6.7/10
Consensus: Taking place in a hotel room, Tape has the feel of a play, but its engrossing psychodrama allows its stars to shine.
Theatrical Release:Nov 2, 2001 Limited
Synopsis: Richard Linklater, known for directing films that take place over a one-day period (SLACKER, DAZED AND CONFUSED, BEFORE SUNRISE), magnifies that concept even further with TAPE. Adapted from the... Richard Linklater, known for directing films that take place over a one-day period (SLACKER, DAZED AND CONFUSED, BEFORE SUNRISE), magnifies that concept even further with TAPE. Adapted from the Stephen Belber play, TAPE takes place in a Lansing, Michigan hotel room, where two old friends reunite ten years after graduation. Vince (Ethan Hawke), a lackadaisical fire fighter who pays the rent by selling pot, and John (Robert Sean Leonard), a self-assured filmmaker whose debut feature is set to screen at the Lansing Film Festival, greet each other with smiles and hugs. But as their conversation becomes more personal, Vince brings up an old grudge from the past, which confounds John. Vince is convinced that on the night before graduation, John date-raped his ex-girlfriend, Amy (Uma Thurman), and he won't rest until John tells him what really happened. Eventually, John admits the truth, evoking a shocking response from Vince. John must finally confront the demons from his past. When Amy arrives at the hotel room and joins the old friends, she detonates the explosive situation, accusing both Vince and John of being selfish, heartless cowards, which they actually are. Shot on digital video all in one location, TAPE is a character study that features strong performances by all three leads. [More]
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Robert Sean Leonard
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Robert Sean Leonard
Director: Richard Linklater
Director: Richard Linklater
Producer: Anne Walker-McBay, John Sloss, Gary Winick, Alexis Alexanian
Studio: Lions Gate Films
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Reviews for Tape
Engrossing and dynamic viewing thanks to convincing dialogue and lively acting, most notably from Hawke.
Tape is smart, unpredictable, and alive with the energies of actors who clearly are enjoying being stretched by their material.
A refreshing acting exercise for both the actors and the audience that works because of the freedom digital video extends.
Tape made me believe that its events could happen to real people more or less as they appear on the screen, and that is its most difficult accomplishment.
Linklater is testing the boundaries of what can be done with digital video, thematically as well as visually.
Sympathetic audiences will find themselves caught up in the emotional reunion -- and laughing awkwardly at surprising moments.
The banter isn't sharp enough to drive the story, and Linklater's lack of visual elegance is a major hindrance.
Though I admired the idea behind the film, the execution, and the performances, the material doesn't seem to add up to anything.
The murky visuals are an apt match for the squalid setting and narrative ambiguities.
It's for anyone who appreciates the bitter erosion of friendship and the one-upmanship and mind games bred by festering antagonism.
It's the cast's film to sink or swim, and for the most part, it's the latter.
The cast ... uses this room with a view to get the best out of the spontaneous epiphanies and strangely affecting and witty dialogue.
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| 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 |
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| 44% 44% | Jennifer's Body |
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