While the independent market has been flooded with bold attempts, very few have actually crossed the borders into main stream success. With that said, I do have to give the sad news that Reprise fails to lift the genre out of its rut, keeping with the rest as a decent but subpar film that will quickly fall to the waste side next to the tougher, more popular and entertaining films that are currently making waves this summer.
As the film starts out, audience members are introduced to Erik and Phillip, two young men who are trying to make it as writers. However, though both have gone through the rigors of creating their first book, Phillip's manuscript is the only one taken. Practically overnight Phillip becomes a major name on the Norwegian culture scene, while Erik is rejected as lacking in both talent and content.
Through the beginning stages, I have to say that the film failed terribly as it attempted to discover and create its purpose. Plagued by bland characters, bad acting and lacking cinematography, Reprise looked as if it was lost and unable to find its way back home.
There was simply no congruity or chemistry between its lead actors, and when an intense scene was found that did contain some potential, it was quickly flattened by the scenes around it. Therefore, the film was never able to get off the ground, instead finding itself hammered to the floor with nowhere to go.
As the film progresses, we fast-forward six months. Now, Phillip is receiving long term treatment in a psychiatric hospital, and his 'lost' friend Erik is there with some other friends to take him home. However, that isn't the biggest surprise â€" Phillip has given up writing. Or at least it has gone from his top priority to the pit of his mind. Luckily, Erik is continuing to write, trying to make it big and stake his claim on the literature world. And while Phillip's life continues to spiral out of control, Erik works to convince him that writing is his true passion.
As the film transforms into its second half, I can honestly admit that it did begin to refocus its attention and become one with the story.
Here, there is a sudden change in dynamic and tone with all those involved. No longer do the actors seem at odds with one another, instead they share a bond as if they are actually living a life that is intertwined with the other.
However, the film never fully recovers. Instead, it begins to contain sparks of bright spots, often interrupted by long lulls. And what is even more depressing is the fact that the story is actually quite strong and had great potential; however, for some reason, it didn't transfer to the screen as it could and should have.
The scenes were too disconnected. Never carrying the consistent flow of real life; the story came across as choppy and forced. There were numerous moments where I felt as if a scene was there for no reason at all, making you wonder just how much direction the film had while being made.
I mean, was there ever a planned outcome? Was the story following a sharp path or one of convenience? And ultimately, how true to life was the overall plot?
These questions and many more are left unanswered as you sit and wonder just what the true purpose of the film was and just why you let yourself get so worked up over its potential and ultimate lack of a plot.
