Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Prince Avalanche

“Is David Gordon Green back?” That was my reoccurring thought while watching his latest film, the cheaply shot but not cheap looking, expertly acted, well paced indie dramedy, Prince Avalanche. But perhaps “back” isn’t fair. Green’s first four films were tiny but masterful slices of American independent cinema. I love George Washington, All the Real Girls, Undertow and Snow Angels to no end. But, do I understand Green’s desire to reach a broader audience and, as a result, make more money? Of course I do. His first four films netted less than $1.4 million at the box office. His first mainstream movie, Pineapple Express, made $23.2 million. In its first three days of release.

So, yeah, I get it.

Thing is, Pineapple Express isn’t that bad. If you’re into Judd Apatow’s brand of humor (Apatow produced the film) then I’m sure the absurdly over the top stoner antics of Pineapple Express suit you just fine. The problem came after, when Green released the dismal Your Highness and the equally aimless The Sitter. All told, those three films do nothing for me. I see none of the David Gordon Green I grew up loving in those films, and that’s fine. After The Sitter, I accepted that this is what Green’s career had become.
And now we get Prince Avalanche. Shot in secret for a slim $60,000, the film tells the story of two road workers: tight assed Alvin (Paul Rudd) and dimwitted Lance (Emile Hirsch). Alvin and Lance are repainting road lines after a random wildfire tore the land apart. When they’re not working, they are bickering about living habits, work attitudes, the complications of friendship, and, most amusingly, the dedication of romantic relationships. (The fact that Alvin is dating Lance’s sister makes those conversations particularly fun).

The result is a breezy film that acts as an authentic mediation of life, acceptance and understanding. In the midst of Alvin and Lance’s purposefully silly conversations lies an overwhelming truth. It’s something that is difficult to explain in print, but a pleasure to watch unfold on screen via the confidence of such a strong filmmaker.
In addition to Rudd (who here delivers his least Paul Rudd performance in years, thankfully) and Hirsch (perhaps his most amusing role to date), cinematographer Tim Orr captures the film’s Texas landscape with poise and utter beauty. Orr has lensed every one of Green’s films, but Prince Avalanche is reminiscent of his work on George Washington, which is a very high compliment. In total, Prince Avalanche contains four actors, but Explosion in the Sky’s perfect music is as much a character in the film as anyone else. In Prince Avalanche, Green has once again made room for patience. He proves that with a skilled cinematographer and proper music, following a turtle through the woods for an extended period of time can actually be quite beautiful.

I adored Prince Avalanche as a film, but what I appreciate most is its signaling of a return to form for one of America’s most unique voices. Welcome back, David Gordon Green, the cinematic landscape wasn’t the same without you. B+

18 comments:

  1. I'm probably going to watch this this week, I also need to get around to seeing George Washington since I've heard so much good things about it.

    Pineapple Express is probably the best film in its genre of dumb OTT comedy of the Apatow-era, it never gets old for me. Your Highness was terrible though, easily one of the worst comedies I've ever seem, just the same dick jokes over and over which are meant to be funny because Danny McBride is speaking in a medieval accent and wearing armor.

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    1. George Washington is close to being a masterpiece. Such a strong, confident debut film. Heaven for Malick fans.

      I can definitely tolerate Pineapple Express (the same way I can most Apatow-produced films), but yeah, Your Highness is just plain awful. I read an interview with Green last year and he said he thinks it's ahead of its time and will be considered a comedy classic in a few years time. Uhhhh.....

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    2. Blown away by this film. It was so beautiful. That scene with the old woman was breathtaking

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    3. Nice man, so glad you liked it. Can you believe that scene with the woman was totally improvised? They came across her while filming and shot that scene on the spot. No written dialogue.

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  2. I'm definitely going to see this next month as I was one of those that really did like Pineapple Express as I thought it was a well-made stoner comedy. Your Highness and The Sitter however, were fucking crap. I love Green's first four films and his work in Eastbound and Down as I'm glad he's going back to making smaller films. I hope he keeps doing that as I really want to see this.

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    1. I definitely think you'll like it. I don't think it's as accomplished as his first four, but it is a great return to form.

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  3. I was rather charmed with this movie. I don't think it's a complete return to form (though I hear Joe is) but it's a nice middle point between his more Malick indie style and the more bigger budget comedies he's done recently. It wasn't quite as good as I had hoped it to be, but it was definitely enjoyable. I think the acting and cinematography is superb (one of the best things I've seen from Rudd in a while - as you rightly said) but the story itself didn't completely click with me. Can't wait for Joe (Green himself called it a fucked up movie so maybe we'll get a good Nic Cage performance) and whatever he does next!

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    1. Fully agree with you. This is good, not great, and not nearly as accomplished as his first four films. But did I like it more than Pineapple, Highness, and The Sitter? Bet your ass.

      I too am pumped for Joe. Really hoping Green and Cage push it to the limit.

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  4. Great review, Alex! I saw this film by complete chance, and I loved it. It has that dry humor that meshed so well with two actors you wouldn't expect to be cast together. Tremendous job by Rudd too...

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    1. Thanks! I thought Rudd was fantastic, better than he's been in years. I loved the dry humor of this one too. Worked damn well.

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  5. Nice review. I do want to give this a look, but I'm not that familiar with David Gordon Green's work. I haven't even seen George Washington or All the Real Girls yet.

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    1. Thanks man. I'd definitely recommend George Washington and All the Real Girls (and Undertow and Snow Angels) before this one. But still, Prince Avalanche is a solid flick.

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    2. I liked Snow Angels, and I definitely want to check those other three films out.

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    3. Can't wait to here what you think of them.

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  6. Prince Avalanche may not pull up any trees as such, but this is a sweet film which will, at the very least, make you smile.

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    1. Yep, I fully agree. This was quite an enjoyable little film.

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  7. I read a comment where you said that the trailer did nothing for you, which bums you out. Now what grade it get Joe. Please tell me when you see Manglehorn and when you see it tell me what do you think about it.

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    1. I said the Prince Avalanche trailer did nothing for me? I don't even remember watching it haha. I liked Joe, shame it didn't get a bigger release. I'd give it a B (but an A for Cage and Sheridan). Very interested to see Manglehorn.

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