It's All About Love

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Clare Danes, Sean Penn
Directed by: Thomas Vinterberg
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Thriller
2003

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two lovers (Joaquin Phoenix, Clare Danes) struggle to survive in a world on the edge of an environmental and societal collapse.

Review:

Tim: This is one insane, unconventional, confusing, weird movie. The plot is bizarre, and you will find it nearly possible to understand everything you see. I simply cannot make sense of the film, and despite my best efforts, I realize I will never fully comprehend this enigmatic movie. It is part science fiction, part romance, part drama, part obscure independent film. There really isn't anything like this.

At first, the film seems fascinating. We have people mysteriously dying, for no apparent reason. We have strange climate changes, including alterations to gravity itself. By the time the clone subplot emerges the events turn from fascinating to overwhelming. We begin to lose interest because the events are just too far out there. The plot begins to look less like the work of a genius, and more like a quickly assembled hodgepodge of complicated events hastily thrown together in an attempt to appear original and unattainable.

Joaquin Phoenix is decent in the lead, but there really wasn't much opportunity for him to be really successful here. He acts as well as he could, but the ability to be great in this film was nearly impossible. Clare Danes was also decent, but by no means impressive. Sean Penn is completely wasted in a small, seemingly unimportant role. He had virtually nothing to do, and provides no value to the film. The cast as a whole are skilled actors, but are just slightly disappointing here.

It's All About Love tries to be aloof and unconventional, but it is too far removed for its own good. I appreciate the attempt to give us something we haven't seen before, but this movie just isn't entertaining or accessible enough. It offers some interesting ideas, but ultimately falls short as a movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Day After Tomorrow, Buffalo Soldiers, Quills, 8mm