A pedestrian filmization of a three-character play that comes across like a watered-down combination of Sam Shepard and David Mamet.
Tape (2001)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
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
Get This Movie
Reviews for Tape
Linklater's movie of a Stephen Belber play is for half its length a dull, two-character drama crying out for fresh blood.
A compelling drama that may lack that Oscar-worthy gloss, but offers virtues that are much more rare: captivating characters, verbal wit, and an actual story.
You never quite escape the feeling you're watching a barely adapted TV version of a somewhat gimmicky stage play.
Sympathetic audiences will find themselves caught up in the emotional reunion -- and laughing awkwardly at surprising moments.
Seems both derivative and indulgent, equal parts actors' exercise and junior-league Harold Pinter.
The banter isn't sharp enough to drive the story, and Linklater's lack of visual elegance is a major hindrance.
The cast ... uses this room with a view to get the best out of the spontaneous epiphanies and strangely affecting and witty dialogue.
Makes its points -- and how -- but never for a second forgets to be thoroughly engrossing.
Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard and Uma Thurman give the most psychologically acute performances of their film careers.
A stagy, three-person psychodrama about guilt, memory and manipulation, driven by strong performances.
An amazingly dynamic motion picture -- one that challenges viewers' ideas and preconceptions.
Takes shape as an entertaining psychological armwrestle between rank belligerence and blustery condescension.
Linklater and cinematographer Maryse Alberti ... turn the claustrophobic hotel-room setting into one of the more handsome films shot on digital video.
A refreshing acting exercise for both the actors and the audience that works because of the freedom digital video extends.
off-the-cuff and expertly executed, though bound by its source and its format to minor rewards and pocket epiphanies
Latest News for Tape
July 06, 2006:
Critical Consensus: "Dead Man's Chest" Is Overstuffed; "Scanner" Shines Darkly
This week at the movies, we've got pirates back for more box office bounty ("Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest") and a journey to the center of the mind... More...
July 21, 2005:
Critical Consensus: Critics Do the "Hustle," Escape "Island" and "Bears"
This week's wide releases share a theme of Escape. Escape from The Game, escape from the bottom of the Little League standings, escape from a futuristic Philip K. Dick-esque... More...
March 29, 2005:
Howard & Grazer Snag Another "Power" Pitch
The always-busy team of director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer have just snagged the rights to yet another project they really dig. This one's called "The Power of... More...
March 03, 2005:
Universal Wins Heated "Duff" Battle; No, Not THAT "Duff"
More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 49% 49% | Taking Woodstock |
| 26% 26% | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard |
| 47% 47% | The Girl From Monaco |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Fresh Links
Featured

Take a look at MSN's choices for the Top 10 films of 2009.

What were your favorites? Least favorites? The funniest and scariest? Moviefone wants to know!

Hollywood.com explores why QT's characters resonate so well with audiences.

TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.

Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic



