Taking Woodstock

pinksoir

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1127896/

New Ang Lee film. Pretty special.

The story is about a Jewish guy (Demetri Martin - excellent), Elliot Tiber, from the Catskills who inadvertently puts Woodstock into motion after the permit gets revoked in a neighbouring town where it was originally organised to take place. Having already acquired a permit for his own yearly festival - one in which he plays records for a small group of townsfolk - , and needing to earn money to keep his parents dilapidated motel from being foreclosed, Elliot hears about the failure of the festival from a neighbour and calls up the organiser to arrange for it to take place on his parents' property.

After they come to survey the location, the organisers decide it's not suitable so Elliot points them in the direction of his neighbour's farm (Eugene Levy), which turns out to be Max Yasgur. The rest, as they say, is history.

I really enjoyed this film. I'm a big fan of Ang Lee, and whilst the movie does occasionally resort to cornography, on the whole it's a rewarding watch. The cast are perfect, from Martin as the lead, perfect in his role, to Liev Schreiber's fantastically believable bit part (once you see it you'll know what I mean), you completely believe the situation that you are presented with, the fantastical and the subtle alike. A special mention should go to the parents of elliot as they come across as real, flawed individuals, old world Jews, who are not at ease with portraying their emotions, especially to their son, upon whom they rely to keep their failing business running.

Being a film about Woodstock, the inevitable drugsploitation is there, however it is very minimal. The film is much more concerned with the human element within the enormity of the event taking place. Though I must say that I have never seen a more believable portrayal of the effects of acid through film.

See this movie.

Richard Dower

Saw it in the wild, might be worth a view....thanks.

DERICKOO

i was 14 enjoyed

pinksoir

Richard Dower wrote: »

Saw it in the wild, might be worth a view....thanks.

I didn't have any real hopes for it going in, despite it being Ang Lee. Was pleasantly surprised, though, evidently.

liah

I thought it was pretty enjoyable, too. Though all it really did was make me wish I'd been in existence for Woodstock, despite the "reality" of the situation (no water, filth, trash, etc.)

Ah, what a time. I would've fit right in with the hippies.

Driver 8

Have to say I was pretty let down. It's not a bad film, but it pretty much panders to every cliche about the era, and the theme of him coming to terms with his sexuality wasn't handled particularly well.

It's not a bad film, but coming after Brokeback Mountain and Lust, Caution, it really pales

SOD's Lovechild

I thought it was shaping up to be pretty special until the concert started and then it stumbled badly. It's a decent, nice film but ultimately a disappointment if you are a fan of Ang Lee.

pinksoir

liah wrote: »

I thought it was pretty enjoyable, too. Though all it really did was make me wish I'd been in existence for Woodstock, despite the "reality" of the situation (no water, filth, trash, etc.)

Ah, what a time. I would've fit right in with the hippies.

+1