There is not one possibility that I will be the only one to refer to the new P.T. Anderson as Incoherent Vice instead of its proper title. But I’m going to start with that regardless because viewing the film had a very confusing effect on me and upon next viewing, I will take copious notes. Regardless, as I sit now I am very baffled by the film.
It’s a mystery of sorts, a crime/comedy/drama set in a drug dripping Los Angeles in 1970. Every character in the film is bit— off. We get to see this groovy, trippy world through the eyes of spaced out private detective “Doc” Sportello played to perfection by Joaquin Phoenix. Perfect role for the man and with this and The Master as examples, PT and Phoenix are creative kindred spirits.
The main issue with keeping the story straight is that there are a lot of names and faces to keep track of here. I do know that there is a huge drug syndicate that has something to do with a boat, a cult and organization of dentists. The movie spins off into many directions and reminded me deeply of a more morbid version of The Big Lebowski. All the actors are game to play with Anderson and an alternate universe is presented, cohesive and confounding.
I am huge fan of Mr. Anderson’s work and watching the places he is going as a filmmaker is very interesting. One thing I can say, purely personally, is that I haven’t enjoyed his last few films like I had his earlier work. Inherent Vice is fascinating and challenging and contains some powerful performances but I don’t necessarily know if I liked it as much as I could have. I don’t think the film is as “fun” as Anderson thinks it is. I’m pretty sure this is supposed to be some form of a comedy. But it doesn’t clearly let you know it. Maybe that’s intentional. The man is much smarter than myself. I just wish I was becoming more connected with his work but it seems to be slipping away more than anything.