Magnolia (1999)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film: 188 Minutes

Rated: R

Genre: Drama

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring: Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Jason Robards, Melinda Dillon, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, John C. Reilly, Jeremy Blackman

IMDB Rank: 8/10

Part 1 Time: 100 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  88 Minutes

**** The complexity of this film should be noted. Throughout the film two parallel and intercut stories are told that are interwoven throughout a 24 Hour period, which is set within Los Angeles.

Where does the first part end?  Jimmy Gator (Philip Baker Hall) game show host of ‘What Do Kids Know?’ Faints during the broadcast. Jim Kurring (John C. Reilly) has coffee with Claudia (Melora Walters). Donnie (William H. Macy) speaks at a bar about how his parents abandoning him after taking all of his game show money. Frank (Tom Cruse) is exposed as a liar about his past. Linda (Julianne Moore) wants to be taken out of Earl’s (her husbands) will. Phil (Earl’s nurse, Philip Seymour Hoffman) attempts to reach Frank with news of his fathers deteriorating health.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Don’t let him do this” says Mary (Eileen Ryan) to ‘What Do Kids Know’ director. Director responds “This is a game show Mary.”

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Here that,” Claudia explains to Jim about her TMJ (Temporomandibular joint).

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, one can easily be fascinated by one or all of the story lines present within the film. What will be the climax of these stories be? Will each of them have an impact on each other?

Which part is better? Director Paul Thomas Anderson does an magnificent job of keeping each narrative somewhat separate from each other. This ability makes the audience question what will happen next in this complex narrative. The first ten minutes of part one can feel rushed and overwhelming, but stick with it, as does clear up as the story progresses. Nods to part two which provides both closure and connection among the multiple story lines presented within the film.

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Tom Cruise), Best Writing-Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Nominated), Best Music- Original Score (Nominated)