Review of Magnolia

A lot of people have a moment in their lifetime in which they question whether an event that occurred was simply a coincidence or if outside forces played a part. Magnolia is a film that explores the fact that weird things happen to each and every one of us. Certain things occur that may make us question whether there are inner connections between ourselves and other human beings. At first I was frustrated with this film because of the bizarre incidences that occur, yet afterward I realized that the only way this film could be made and make sense is if it was spontaneous and fanatical. The plot line is almost as peculiar as the characters in Magnolia, especially Tom Cruise's character who is a sex therapist. However, with all the great characters and connections, by the end of the film Magnolia works and stays with the viewer for days to come. You are guaranteed to continue thinking about the film days after viewing it and will wonder why certain events occurred and what they represent. After watching Magnolia I understood why the best actors choose to work with Paul Thomas Anderson. It is because the way he shoots his films challenges his actors in a way that few directors of this modern time period choose to do so in that the majority of his scenes contain very few cuts. This makes the film so much better in my opinion because it keeps the viewer entranced within the story. Overall, Magnolia is a one of a kind film created by perhaps the best director of our generation. Paul Thomas Anderson has made only five films (Hard Eight, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love, and There Will Be Blood), and each one is unique and a masterpiece in its own way.

RATING: 3.6/5