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Rating:  -
...in this fascinating movie. Not often can a director pull off an adaptation of a one act off-off Broadway theater piece into a full feature movie yet Linklater manages to do just that. So did the actors; all three roles required intelligence, emotional sensitivity and instinct that one certainly does not expect from Hollywood icons. In some way this film is already (as it should be) a classic. Myself I kept being reminded throughout of Bergman (& Uma certainly made me think of Liv Ullman).
I was also reminded of high school, its pressures and bittersweet romances that can never be forgotten and that, for better or worse, defined life paths for many of us. The first love, the first rejection, the first true friendship... Linklater shows that these can coalesce, blend, and differentiate in an elaborate dance of memories and emotions. What is free will? how do we define ourselves? what is self-respect and how does it stand up to emotional revelations? Why would one want to stay and face the demons from one's past rather than flee into the oblivion of worldly "success"? These are all issues Linklater and his actors distill into a bewildering and intoxicating beverage that makes for fidgety yet irresistible viewing.
A lot in this movie (like in any good theater) is left unsaid; in other words, it is left to be conveyed by actors' body language and energetic tone of their emotions. They succeed spectacularly. This movie should be a required part of curriculum of every acting school worthy of its designation. I would especially recommend it to European actors (who often seem to miss the best American productions) and directors (who should know better).
Rating:  -
This was a great movie, it didn't rely on special effects or computer graphics, babes in leather and big guns.
This movie was fresh and solid, wiht only 3 characters in one room shot in real time.
It made me feel as if I was eavesdropping on some private candid conversation between old friends with some bitter past experiences and problem to work out.
The conversation between Sean Lonard, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, which was the sole purpose of this movir is raw and real, wihtout giving it away, this is a real interesting story that you just can't wait to hear.
It shows how 3 people can interpret something that happened 10 years ago in 3 different ways, but only one of them is true....
Rating: -
Wow. Ok, so that is a pathetic way to start a movie review. But my god, what a movie.
Tape is directed by Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Waking Life) and stars Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and Uma Thurman. They are the only cast members of the film and the entire feature takes place in a single motel room.
The film was shot on digital and the opening sequences had me dreading yet another movie that is to showcase the direction and film quality with no real plot. I could not have been more wrong.
There are very few films that can be carried merely by the dialogue of the actors. Tape is one of them. As the credits started rolling, both my husband and I were sitting in awe with our mouths hanging open. And the amazing thing is, while I knew what was happening and even predicted the ending, I was still completely captivated as I watched it unravel.
It's very realistic in presentation. Though by the end, you still don't know what the true reality of the film was. But I think that's how it's supposed to be. Very reflective of life. The difference between true fact (if there is such a thing) and the perceptions of the people involved. The effect that intention has on a situation.
I highly recommend this movie, especially if you liked Before Sunrise and Waking Life. Though beyond being based on dialogue, Tape is in a league of its own.
Rating: -
If you're crazy about Ethan Hawke and Uma Therman, as I am, this off-beat Linklater endeavour may be worth a ride. Just don't expect any big screen histrionics and be prepared for incessant chit-chat with lots of "Why?" and "WHat?" and other logic-numbing trivia, and you'll do fine.
But first, the good. Really, hats off to Hawke and Therman (and that other guy) for having the courage to do something like this, all in candid videocam, warts and all. Sans any make up, sans any Gattaca-style golden Fuji reel etc. Just raw dialog between old friends, about an old grudge, in a shoddy motel room.
The whole movie veers around a lot of talking in circles, friends questioning perceptions of each other over a shared girlfriend fling in senior year over a decade ago. Frankly, this would have been ok in a theatrical production, but this film errs with its painful camera moves, for e.g., frequent switches to and fro faces of people standing opposite each other, which means you get treated to a lot of viewpoint swings.
Secondly, and more importantly, a little bit of unpredictability would have been nice. Anyone with a couple of brain cells could have figured out what was to happen 15 minutes ahead, which is not exactly a very favorable point for a movie.
For a full grinding hour, Ethan Hawke and Bob Leonard keep exchanging grinding blither blather, until Ms. Therman slides into the picture (what a respite!) and makes things a little interesting. I cannot imagine any other actress making the theme more watchable than she does, a simple twitch of an eye from her speaks volumes.
Yet, overall this film is a grating experience and though the acting is fabulous (I do not imagine too many retakes et al) perhaps Linklater needs to contemplate this abhorrent creation and think about what makes cinema a different medium than stage.
Rating: -
There are no car chase scenes in this movie. There are no monsters, space ships, or robots causing explosions or killing people. Nothing epic about the movie "Tape"," but there is more to it than meets the eye.
"Tape" is about sincere forgiveness and sincere regret. It would make an excellent play for the small stage--and maybe it is somewhere. You have to admire the producers, directors and actors for being willing to make this movie. Yes, it's different. Yes, it takes place in only one room--a cheap hotel room. If you are in the mood for a movie that makes you think, "Tape" would be a good candidate.
If nothing else, watch this movie with friends who like to discuss situation ethics. After the movie discuss it and see what you learn about your friends--and yourself.
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