In one way, I hope to not sound like a broken record, but I must begin this entry the way that I did my last, which was a review about the film Inception. Edgar Wright is a fantastic director, and it's hard to ignore in films like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. The film Hot Fuzz was saved by Wright's excellent direction, managing to effectively make shots of paperwork and minute police work absolutely hilarious. Edgar Wright's trailer in Grindhouse, Don't, was my particular favorite, laughing continuously even thinking about it.
When it comes to direction, Scott Pilgrim is perhaps Wright's best work. It often feels exactly like a video game or a comic book, taking ideas and imagery directly from both mediums. It does this in a much less serious way that Ang Lee's The Hulk did. The film already has you by the opening credits, which are absolutely glorious. It's rare in today's age to get an opening credit sequence that is enjoyable, let alone tolerable.While this credit sequence doesn't really hint at the rest of the film's contents (Despite the style and feeling of the film that will be carried through out), it's fun. I was ready to go.
And then the film continued, and I must say that I was deeply offended by much of this film. Lifting imagery and plot lines from video games and comic books, Scott Pilgrim also lifts the male-centric and homophobic problems of most video games and many comic books.
The film took every single opportunity to other Kieran Culkin's character, Wallace Wells. His tokenism was insulting, as his character could not speak or be brought up without making a joke about his homosexuality. When a joke was needed and there was no joke to be made, the film went to Wells for easy laughs. It was cheap and offensive.
But perhaps the most jarring moment of the film is the battle between Cera's Scott Pilgrim and Mae Whitman's Roxie Richter. Whitman's character is a scene stealer (like many of the minor characters), and she happens to also be the only evil-ex of Ramona's that is a woman. Pilgrim is confused. But, in the end, he defeats her by giving her an orgasm.
Yep, the only way to beat a lesbian is to give her a heterosexual orgasm. Incredibly confusing considering it is the only battle that is sexualized. But, it has to be, right? I mean, there cannot be a single fair depiction of homosexuality in this film. That'd be weird...
From a strictly filmic standpoint, the writing is weak. It would have been better anchored by someone that isn't Michael Cera, who I am finally convinced has no range. The character itself, Pilgrim, is written to be unlikable, yet the script calls for the audience to be on his side come the end of the film. Utterly confusing.
What is disappointing about Cera's casting is the fact that most people in this film give wonderful performances. Culkin is a riot, Whitman deserves some awards, and Allison Pill is also brilliant. Ramona Flowers, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, is also fantastic, but isn't really given a character. I'm not sure how she is depicted in the comic books (Which I hear are fantastic), but she is no more than eye candy for Cera's character and the audience.
In the end, this film is the best proof of the similarities between Mainstream culture and the "alternative." Both are written for white male audiences, are homophobic, and sexist.
This film is wonderfully directed and has some great acting provided by underused minor characters. Beyond that, I do not believe I have any kind words for Scott Pilgrim.
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