Everyone virtually agrees that Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the few geniuses in Hollywood today. High praise indeed, but with masterpieces like Boogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood or The Master, the filmmaker deserves such honour. The expectations for his latest picture were (again) extremely high and it must be said: Inherent Vice does not fit in the above list. Is the new Anderson bad? No, only utterly incomprehensible (with a touch of genius, although this is mainly due to the excellent cast, because there is no other director who can inspire actors as he does).
The neon lights of the poster are perhaps reminiscent of the eighties, but this story is set in the 60’s and based on the last book of Thomas Pynchon. A very controversial writer, because he is honoured by everyone, unfortunately almost no one knows what he is talking about. Inherent Vice is actually a book that can’t be adapted to film, in terms of plot or story Paul Thomas Anderson failed. According to the director you don't even have to try, because the head fuck is supposed to be the fun for the viewer. That does not mean that something like that can’t lead to interesting films, just think of The Long Goodbye. A good example by the way, just like Altman's masterpiece, you can describe Inherent Vice as a modern film noir.
Joaquim Phoenix as detective Larry "Doc" Sportell, never looked so good on John Lennon. Just like the murdered Beatle he likes to live in a daze, and the viewer must guess whether the detective is freaking out or not. Not an easy task, especially when he meets many colourful (also addicted) characters during the investigation of a kidnapped real estate businessman. The puzzle takes two and a half hours and after just 30 minutes the average viewer probably knows that it is better to give up trying to understand the plot. That does not mean that you will yawn during two hours, because this crime comedy remains incredibly fascinating. Josh Brolin shines again as a crazed cop who is addicted to bananas topped with chocolate, Owen Wilson surprises friend and foe as a snitch, and we should definitely keep an eye on Katherine Waterston, and even veterans like Eric Roberts (yes!) and Martin Short are sublime. A film to enjoy, just don’t try to understand it...