It felt like I was watching something that had an age to it. There's always this kind of mysterious quality to the people surrounding the main characters in PTA's films. They just seem to exist in the space. It makes me excited by the idea that, hopefully, people will continue to value film. It feels so natural to watch film projected in the theater. It's very beautiful. I think this film will last for a very long time.
This excites me a lot. I just can't wait to catch this movie. Unfortunately, I'm not in one of the major US cities, so the earliest I can see it is Jan 5th in Toronto (not too bad, but I've been too curious and hyped up to not check out reviews, interviews, trailers, etc.). I'm still hoping it comes to my local Landmark or Cineplex, and if not those then the Film House downtown, which shows a bunch of indie films and non-blockbusters. But boy how I envy those who get to see the film projections.
I think I'm even more excited for this film than I was for Inherent Vice ... and Pynchon is my favourite novelist. The ornate images, DDL matched by two amazing female roles, Jonny Greenwood doing romantic music, Britain, tea, art ... it's all just so wonderful. It's everything I want in a film at the moment (oh gosh, I'm starting to get gushy and hysterical).
Even though I started out as solely interested in the new PTA film rather than DDL/DDL's last performance, I'm now enthralled that he's in another role, and a PTA one at that. DDL's commitment to the craft and his willingness to put all he has into the preparation is inspiring, and I know it's going to be a wonderful thing and a treat to watch such a person on screen.