Inherent Vice Review

Inherent vice isn’t one of the best films I’ve seen so far this year. For examples of better films I’d suggest Whiplash, Foxcatcher and Ex Machina. However this year so far I haven’t enjoyed a film as much as I did Inherent Vice.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest is an attempt to create a tribute to the time and place of 60’s, 70’s California. It focuses on the idea of the free spirited 60’s turning into the grey Nixon era of the 70’s. The story of the film is centred around Larry “Doc” Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) a private investigator hired by his ex “Old Lady” Shasta (Katherine Waterstone) to investigate a case involving her lover, the infamous Mickey Wolfmann (Eric Roberts). From there Doc delves into a confusing web of mystery. That’s as simple as the plot can be described because to try and follow it is to fail to truly enjoy the film. You see the point is that Doc is delving into this complex situation which cannot be understood and it’s made even more complex by his continuous marijuana consumption.

To really enjoy the film you should sit back and let it pass by; absorb it and breathe it in, soak in the sense and atmosphere. Anderson’s direction is unique to the spirit of the film: the scenes are strung together like faded memories worn out like sand on a beach by the constant waves of time. Like Anderson’s previous two films, Jonny Greenwood provides the score which enhances the film, adding a sense of intrigue and mystery whilst having a cool relaxing 60s feel. Another strong element of the film is its cast. Phoenix brings real warmth and affection to the part of Doc - we get a sense of how confused he is about being the moral compass of this corrupt world.  Yet in my opinion the best performance in the film comes form Josh Brolin as (Lt. Det.) Christian F. "Bigfoot" Bjornsen. He is consistently the funniest performer in the film whether he is eating a frozen chocolate banana or insulting Doc, yet there is also sadness to his character due to the death of his partner and his fear of the changing times and the free love attitude.

When the film clicks and all the diverse elements come together it really works. For instance there’s a flashback scene which perfectly encapsulates the film, in which Doc is reminded of a incident involving a Ouija board and we see how the past of the 60’s contrasts with the “now” of the 70’s.  However sometimes the film gets slightly carried away with itself and you sense that it could have done with tighter editing while preserving the confusing ambling sense that Anderson wants it to have. I still personally love the film though, its delightful to watch, but when you look beneath its surface there is a real sadness to it and its very touching in the way it portrays this changing point in time and the nature  of memory.

In conclusion Inherent Vice is glorious piece of filmmaking, it entertains even with its sad undercurrent. Whilst I really like the film I can see why it may alienate others with its confusing plot and long running time. If you’re looking for a neat little crime film this isn’t the film for you. 

4.5/5 Stars (But my favourite film of the year so far)