Review of Factory Girl

Factory Girl (2006)
6/10
factory girl @ the E st cinema
11 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This flick finally came to my hood, Feb 9. It's 87 mins long, and at the entrance I was handed a questionnaire, beamingly asked to fill it out on my exit. I had a hard time filling it out. I didn't know how I felt about the movie. I still don't. When I like a movie, I can watch it repeatedly. Do I want to see this again? Maybe, for posterity, if no other reason. I filled it out, but I'm sure my answers have changed back and forth several times since then. What seems apparent is that it is a coherent snippet in time about Edie, inaccurate or not. the story is a compelling one, and within what it did convey, the conveyance was adequate. I had no problems with any of the performances, the cast taking the material and giving what may indeed be a mere contour image of the film's denizens. True, it wasn't a full blown picture given, and maybe that was on purpose. This film could arguably be considered a cinematic paragon of one of Andy's works of art: something overtly commercial meant ultimately as a bit of tongue-in-cheek sarcasm, a private joke for those "privy to such griefs." Still, readers will, of course, take this comment with a grain of salt; after all, consider: I still haven't resolved how I feel about this film. standing in the lobby afterward, scratching in answers on the questionnaire, I overheard comments from other moviegoers about their take; one comment that stood out was about how horrible Hayden's acting was, with "fake Dylan" voice/mannerisms. I disagree. Despite his cumulative screen time of maybe five minutes, it was lovely to see him--his performance was complimentary to the whole film. On the other hand, when he referred to Edie as "baby," I wasn't convinced. What was credible was the character's (referred to as "Musician") style -- ie, his clothing, etc, conveyed pretty much anything verbal the character might want to say. Another way, perhaps, to abridge this story: one picture would convey 1,000 words. Sienna, I feel, did her part, and well. It's easy to discount any talent she has when one heeds all the tabloid fodder swirling about her, but the girl has skills. I saw Alfie, and do not recall her performance. Saw Layer Cake, in which her part was simple, but effective. Never saw Cassanova. Guy is easy, giving a most recognizable portrait of Andy, and making it look effortless. But I'm still grappling with my own feelings; at moments I feel the film is too short, then check myself: did I really want to sit thru more along this film's lines? would that make me feel better about spending $10.50? Was it worth it as-is? Tune in tomorrow......maybe I'll have answers. Don't bet on it.
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