Set in Los Angeles, an action star is suffering from a mild case of amnesia when he meets up with an acclaimed porn star that is in the process of expanding her career, one avenue is developing a reality television show, and a police officer who unknowingly holds the answers to a vast conspiracy bigger than anyone can imagine.
Though long and at times confusing Southland Tales creates an authentic and unique tone, allowing its characters to create a thought provoking and intriguing feature.
Director Richard Kelly, most known for his work with Donnie Darko, returns to the big screen in high fashion, bringing together a stellar cast, an amazing story, and the excitement and anticipation that would rival some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters.
What I find truly amazing about this film is its cast. Mixing the likes of Dwayne Johnson, a macho, ripped ex-wrestler, a gorgeous Sarah Michelle Gellar and even the innocently perceived Mandy Moore, seems almost impossible, but somehow Kelly did it and made it work.
With each actor appealing to a different sector of the movie market, the film is able to capture a 'real life' aspect that helps it become relatable to the audience. These people wouldn't meet on normal terms, nor would they interact professionally; however, the film capitalizes on their relationships, and through this casting the story becomes more thought provoking, more spontanious and more real. It is this simple task that helps set it apart from the numerous other 'real life rip offs' that make their way through the cinemas every year.
However, it wasn't all the cast; in fact the story had a lot to do with its appeal. Taken from the imagination of Kelly, the story is unique, warranting numerous viewings in order to grasp the full complexity of what appears on screen. However, this isn't a bad thing. The story is thought provoking and so in depth that you can, at times, be overwhelmed by its immaculate amount of information and clues and thus rewatching it leads you not only to more answers but more questions awaiting conclusions.
The film is great. Director Richard Kelly successfully follows up his cult-hit Donnie Darko with another stellar film in Southland Tales proving that he is no one hit wonder. With actors like Sean William Scott and Mandy Moore playing against stereotype the film thrives on their energy and intuition and finishes strong to form a smart and intriguing film.
