The first volume of Richard Kelly and Brett Weldele’s Southland Tales arrives in the stores this week. Three graphic novels are scheduled to come out to go alongside the Donnie Darko director’s Southland Tales movie, which stars Sarah Michelle Gellar of Buffy fame as a porn star (which no doubt excites many a fanboy and girl, but of course we are too mature to comment, honest).
I suspect the graphic novels may help with viewing the film when it finally is released – it reportedly drew some boos and walkouts among the film press at Cannes recently, although some said it isn’t a bad film, it’s just a very unusual premise which means the movie lacks focus and really requires re-watching to understand. All the more reason to maybe read the graphic novels first to help get a handle on a slippery narrative. Given how unusual Donnie Darko was Kelly was always in for a rough ride on his next gig – if he made a more conventional narrative he would no doubt be accused of selling out but if he dares to make something unusual he risks losing audiences. My personal view is to ignore what the jaded movie reporters at Cannes say and wait to see it for ourselves before judging.
Thu, Jul 20, 2006
Film, TV and radio