HAIKU REVIEW
Beautiful Landscapes;
Minimalism Defined;
Slow, Artistic Pace.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
How do I even review a movie like this?
There is a very loose narrative to follow, sure, but it exists in a world entirely its own. The basic premise is that a group of music aficionados (including a "low-fi cowboy," a mute drifter and, presumably, a hooker) have their headphones tuned to an underground, avant-garde radio station that advertises the final performance of a legendary rock star, to take place somewhere in the desert. Also, the world may be ending. But even that suggests a bit more structure than is actually on display.
This is a movie where the journey far outweighs the destination, and perhaps that is why this didn't rank higher with me. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, with each shot feeling like a masterclass in framing the minimal while maximizing the impact of each. The soundtrack is engaging, but there are also some major letdowns in the department of expectations, as far as the music is concerned. Maybe I should have tempered those expectations, but when all I had to go on was a very trippy trailer and the published synopsis, I thought I was getting...more.
The pace is very slow. This has all the feel of an art student project with a bigger budget, and the payoffs for your patience come in the form of more gorgeous landscape shots with distinct color palettes and enough intrigue to keep you interested.
I can't really define the film by "acts," but maybe if the final few scenes played out along the lines that I expected, it would rank higher. I can't say I truly enjoyed this very much on certain levels, but in terms of purely striking visuals, it was a knockout. There isn't much detail to go into here, especially knowing what a deep niche this kind of film falls into. But if the trailer interests you and it opens in your area or plays at a local festival, check it out. At under 80 minutes, even at its somewhat grating pace, it is at the very least worth a watch. And for some, it will likely become a cult classic.
GRADE: B-
Fonotune: An Alectric Fairytale is Written and Directed By FINT
