Gerry

Ghostboy · March 06, 2003, 11:04:17 PM

Has anyone seen this yet? I just got back from it, and I have to say I loved it. I went in expecting the worst, expecting to be bored, but I was really impressed. Its a fairly powerful film. It could be argued that its predictable, but it also has a definite sense of the inevitablity to it that gets stronger and stronger, and almost turns the movie into a horror film. Some of the shots towards the end are genuinely unnerving.

I read a magazine article a year or two ago about two guys who wandered off a trail and got lost. Due to some very strong similiarities, I'll bet that Van Sant and Damon and Affleck were inspired in part by that story.

sphinx · March 06, 2003, 11:05:41 PM

Quote from: GhostboyI read a magazine article a year or two ago about two guys who wandered off a trail and got lost.

in the history of trails, the history of humans, and the history of losting, they all must have converged at more than one point to create a situation in which two guys get lost off a trail.

Ghostboy · March 06, 2003, 11:19:58 PM

Yeah, I know, its more specific than that but I didn't want to give away any plot points. You can swipe below to get the spoilerific details:

The true story involved these two guys who go hiking and get lost. They're found a day or two later, about 100 yards from the road. One of the guys is dehydrated and delirious; the other one is dead (strangled or beaten to death, I can't remember) and buried beneath a pile of rocks. The living friend said it was a mercy killing, and that his buddy begged him to do it. Evidence was gathered, however, that strongly suggested the murder was anticipated and planned.

In 'Gerry,' Matt Damon eventually strangles Casey Affleck. They're at the end of the ropes, ready to die, and the murder seems almost loving in its intent. Then Damon gets up and struggles a few steps further, and suddenly realizes they're less than half a mile from the highway.

End spoilers.

Ernie · March 11, 2003, 08:59:14 PM

I can't wait to fucking see this. You telling me it turns into somewhat of a horror movie at one point makes me want to see it even more man, that sounds awesome.

I love everybody (all 3 of them) involved...god I love Drugstore Cowboy so much it's scary.

This just looks so hypnotic though, like 2001...which I love to death. It looks like Van Sant's best directed film yet, just judging by the trailer. He's up for a Indy Spirit Award I believe. He is a fucking great director I think.

MacGuffin · March 13, 2003, 02:21:45 AM

Production Weekly is reporting that Gus Van Sant is close to signing up to direct the Heidi Fleiss story "Pay the Girl," with Nicole Kidman, attached to star as the notorious Hollywood madam.

cine · April 08, 2003, 05:32:31 PM

Haven't seen "Gerry" but I hope Casey Affleck dies a horrible death. Not just dies.. I mean I hope he gets maliciously slaughtered.

-- not a fan of Casey Affleck --

picolas · April 08, 2003, 11:21:08 PM

cine · April 09, 2003, 01:21:54 AM

Well I guess that came out a little harsh. He doesn't HAVE to be slaughtered.. thats just the alternative if he isn't banned from appearing in movies.

jmj · April 09, 2003, 02:48:57 PM

Quote from: CinephileWell I guess that came out a little harsh. He doesn't HAVE to be slaughtered.. thats just the alternative if he isn't banned from appearing in movies.

What's your beef with Casey?

Pwaybloe · April 09, 2003, 03:04:43 PM

Quote from: jmjWhat's your beef with Casey?

I think you just said it.

jmj · April 10, 2003, 09:58:43 AM

Quote from: Pawbloe
Quote from: jmjWhat's your beef with Casey?

I think you just said it.

Ex-Boyfriend?

Pwaybloe · April 10, 2003, 10:19:14 AM

Quote from: jmj
Quote from: Pawbloe
Quote from: jmjWhat's your beef with Casey?

I think you just said it.

Ex-Boyfriend?

The one and only.

Pubrick · August 03, 2003, 02:29:27 AM

ekzellent.

pure brilliance. u know, everyone was laughing their asses off in the Rock Maroon scene, that was so effing well done. then the laughter died down at pretty much the same time the characters started losing hope. it was great. some of those shots, man, just with their heads bobbing up and down for a few minutes? u get lost in it, they embody existence. blah blah i'm not gonna make a case for it being a big existential joke.

it's simpler and bigger than that, i really like this for the silence and the walking.

A Matter Of Chance · August 12, 2003, 03:39:00 PM

Yeah, I agree. The movie was incredible.

I am waiting to see "Elephant" too.

budgie · September 03, 2003, 03:12:49 PM

I went to see Gerry spaced out and exhausted and I loved it, naturally. P, I was laughing longer than the rock maroon, the language kept getting funnier, but yes, it was stealthy and skillful.

Shame on everyone for not seeing stuff like this. The abstraction was something rare. Beautiful performances, especially Affleck, who had me spellbound. Loved his Thebes ramble. And the delicate chemistry.

Don't think it was an existential joke. Well, maybe.