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| 8 1/2 Women | |
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| Review by Gil Jawetz | posted November 6, 2000 |
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Peter Greenaway has developed a cultish following through films like The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover, Prospero's Books, and The Pillow Book, epics of debauchery. His latest release, 8 1/2 Women, is minor compared to those monumental tributes to kinkiness. The story of a recently widowed man and his effete son, 8 1/2 Women won't win Greenaway any new fans and may not even appeal to those who enjoy the grandness of his past works.
Greenaway's philosophy of more-is-better permeates his films in their design (Almodovar's just subletting a room in Greenaway's neon house) and in themes: the father-son combo in 8 1/2 Women populate their newly barren house with concubines (hence the title). Greenaway may strive for Fellini-esque madness (the concubine idea is hatched after a screening of that ode to indecision, 8 1/2), but he tries too hard. 8 1/2 Women manages to be both pretentious and silly, not an easy balance to achieve. This film is of absolutely no interest to anyone not working on a Greenaway grad school thesis. The acting is inconsequential, the plot inane, the characters shallow (although the father-son incest will likely be a new thing for most viewers), and the comedy... well... not funny.
PICTURE:
Greenaway is known for his visuals and there are some interesting uses of colors and framing here. The transfer seems ok and is anamorphic.
AUDIO:
The lack of music leaves just a dialog heavy track that certainly won't dazzle anyone.
EXTRAS:
Only a trailer is included. Perhaps a Greenaway commentary track would help enlighten, but I doubt it.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Fans of Greenaway's previous films may enjoy it but as a work that has to stand on it's own, 8 1/2 Women is simply limp.
Gil Jawetz is a graphic designer, video director, and t-shirt designer. He lives in Brooklyn.
E-mail Gil at buskerdog@yahoo.com