Wendy and Lucy DVD

Studio: Oscilloscope

Jul 17, 2009 Web Exclusive By Nick Hyman Bookmark and Share


Wendy and Lucy is barely a movie. The story? Woman on the outs loses her dog and life sucks, and that’s pretty much it. Kelly Reichardt (director and film teacher at Bard College) has prided herself in making sparse minimalist films (Old Joy) that make critics swoon but leaves this viewer cold. Her latest is like the indie version of Marley & Me but without music and plot to get in the way. In fact, things are so absurdly horrible for star Michelle Williams (her car breaks down, she’s busted for shoplifting, etc.) that you almost can’t help but laugh at how dour her life is. If you’re an animal lover, beware, as this film is just as manipulative as Marley and will put a lump in your throat. As far as DVD extras go, instead of providing any insight as to why she made the movie in a commentary or interview, Reichardt has chosen to spotlight four short films that have been made at the college she teaches as extra content. They’re as polarizing as her work and frequently even more experimental. (www.oscilloscope.net)

 

Author rating: 4/10

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Average reader rating: 4/10

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Lisa Hur
July 19th 2009
12:43am

The “barely” is everything in Wendy and Lucy. The sparse dialogue and lack of plot was the film’s message. Its panoramic moments said so much without saying anything at all. Wendy appears sedated much of the film but in a single moment, a bathroom meltdown, her story unravels. A story no one is sure of. In most every shot of the film we follow Wendy but learn little. We leave her without closure, but feel satisfaction without the closure nonetheless, amazed that such simple experience could be so captivating for two hours. I only wish I knew what her bandage was for and why her sister rejected her. Why else was she hurting and why was it so important for us not to know?