Merits of 'Magnolia' must be seen to be appreciated

"Magnolia"

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring: Tom Cruise, John C. Reilly, Julianne Moore, Jason Robards

Rated: R

Movies, as with any art form, come in many different styles, with a myriad of inspirations. Just as a daVinci painting is strikingly different from a Monet or a Picasso, so too are films from different directors in the many varied genres of filmmaking.

Some films simply tell a compelling story in a powerful way, presented as what we've come to think of as the way movies are supposed to be: Good actors, dramatic lighting, an effective score. A prime example here would be "Casablanca."

Other pieces come along that stand the art on its ear, employing techniques and styles that draw inspiration from not only life, but other films as well, and stretch the envelope of the entire form.

Many of the techniques used in "Citizen Kane" are now taken for granted, but at the time they were considered bold, innovative steps.

Lately a great number of directors have been expanding the form. Robert Altman is a master of ensemble storytelling and his films such as "Nashville" and "Shortcuts" have become touchstones for many young filmmakers. Quentin Tarantino stretched things a bit with "Pulp Fiction."

And now Paul Thomas Anderson, who garnered a lot of acclaim for his last picture, "Boogie Nights," is expanding the horizons again with a powerful film that employs a great number of intertwining (although not necessarily intersecting) tales and a large ensemble cast, many of them from Anderson's previous work.

"Magnolia" is not a perfect movie it seemed too long to me, and I usually don't mind a three-hour film but it has some perfect moments. Quite a few actually.

There's a famous quote of uncertain origins that goes, "Talking about music is like dancing about architecture." That's how I feel when it comes to writing about "Magnolia." It's really a film that has to been seen to be understood.

It speaks highly of the material and the director that established stars Tom Cruise and the veteran Jason Robards were willing to accept roles in the ensemble that are no more (or less) important than those of lesser known (and lower paid) actors like John C. Reilly, Philip Seymour Hoffman and the ever-entertaining William H. Macy.

As Frank T.J. Mackey, Cruise's character is an obscenity-spouting self-help guru who teaches American males the joys of a style he calls "Seduce and Destroy." (Call 1-877-TAME-HER.) His estranged father, played by Robards, is a TV executive on his deathbed.

The TV network's most popular show, "What Do Kids Know?," is hosted by Jimmy Gator, who is also dying of cancer. Gator has an estranged child, as well. There's a kid on the show who has some emotional baggage with his dad and the stress of the game show is getting to him, as well. We also meet former child game-show star Donnie "Quiz Kid" Smith, now a has-been, whose life is slowly falling apart.

John C. Reilly plays sweet-natured cop Jim Kurring, who begins a relationship with Gator's drug-abusing daughter, Claudia.

There's also a strange suicide attempt that turns into a homicide charge and a climax of Biblical proportions. I don't want to give this scene away, even a bit. When you see it, you will have trouble believing your eyes.

The beginning of the third act features the cast, each in their own milieu, singing a song that seems to sum up everyone's individual and collective predicament. It's an Aimee Mann number with the refrain, "It's not going to stop ... "

Besides the top-notch acting, "Magnolia" benefits from the prowess of cinematographer Robert Elswit, a man who knows his craft and evidently has an enormous love for the art of making movies. He employs many effective cinematic elements that keep the film moving and interesting. Critics and pundits are describing this ambitious work as being operatic in scope.

For anyone who loves film, "Magnolia" is required viewing. It's hard to compare it to anything else, but if you're a Robert Altman fan or appreciate independent director John Sayles' work, especially the brilliant "City of Hope," "Magnolia" will be a satisfying experience. Even though I still think it's a bit long, I'm planning on seeing it again as soon as I possibly can.

(Jim Wunderle works at Associated Video Producers and is a Springfield free-lance writer and musician.)