Flourish

Flourish DVD Film Review By Ed Hulse 10/30/2006 @ Video Business A reasonably clever mystery/ comedy hybrid that echoes Martin Scorsese's After Hours, Flourish has an Alice in Wonderland vibe that keeps it amusing even when innumerable plot complications and bizarre characters threaten to send it spiraling into incoherence. Gaby's odyssey brings her in contact with an unlikely spy, an exploited fiancée, a philandering military man, his pious mistress and other oddballs. At the finish, several questions remain unanswered, but that hardly matters. This neatly turned out indie is one of those films that isn't about the destination but the journey. With a sharper script and a little more directorial discipline, this easily could have been a major mainstream movie. Though worth seeing, the absence of exploitable cast names will hinder the film's rental prospects.

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Maddening movie. In a good way. Almost a psycho-drama or comedy. And lots going on. Like a puzzle movie in some way. Like a comedy of manners in others... Always keeps you on your toes, challenges you to stay with it. It does what it wants and is better for it. And I think it actually works better when you stop trying to make sense of it and allow it to wash over you. And just revel in its amusing, digressive narrative spasms. Or whatever. There is a lot of nuance here, all in all, and I found that a second viewing really deepened my appreciation of this risky, bleak, and funny film: about a crazy girl wanting to tell us a crazy story, and hoping we like her because of it...

Jennifer Morrison really shows that she is an under-utilized actor. In fact, both Jen and Jesse Spencer are 180-degrees from their inoffensive roles on House, MD. Surrounded by a wonderful ensemble of actors, they create a story that thrives on suspense and humor. A very deliberate, concise work with a steady tone.

The writer/director demonstrates a high degree of authorship. And yet the writing idiosyncrasies are not self-conscious or showy. And the performances only elaborate on what's already there. Jennifer Morrison, in particular, seems self-possessed in the role -- living out and behaving each moment rather than 'acting' it.

Further, this is a movie interested, it seems, in mise-en-scene rather than montage; fully bodied performances, fluid masters, and purposely under-cut. A movie that chooses long-take tableaux -- like an Altman film, or the Dardenne Brothers, or Gus van Sant -- over fragmentation via cutting. Pretty good stuff.

Morrison performed her erratic character believably and the supporting cast jumped right to her level. Sure, the movie seems to enjoy chaos. And sure, you feel a certain confusion along the way. But I watched this movie twice, and the second viewing was infinitely better. I let the emotions, humor flow over me. And besides, the story is about psychology and someone who wants to tell a good story -- who happens to be pretty messed up. I guess the ideas behind the movie, plus how surprising the characters behave, made it worth it for me. I have to admit I only watched this movie as an obsessive "House" fan but I enjoyed it much more than I anticipated.

This film may not be for everyone, but if you like indie pictures that are specific, kinda difficult, but really freaking funny, with a great cast and a head trip, I would recommend it.

I saw a screening of this film and it is indie film making at its best. It contains just the right elements of humor and suspense. The film was very well cast and the performances were very strong. There is also a great soundtrack provided by the voice of Jen Morrison and the original songs of Julian Sakata. In fact the song at the end flowed so well with the story that no one moved from their seats until the lights came up in the theatre. Very rare sight for an LA movie crowd. The Story moves very well. Its's interesting to watch all of the characters unwind, and there is something tragic and comedic about the whole thing. The Characters are interesting and really drive the story. Direction is solid. The script is well written. Great overall film.