I just saw Paranoid Park this weekend. Portland finally got the movie it deserved. In addition to being a powerful film in its own right (similar to, but more accessible — and less disturbing — than Elephant), it's a tasteful postcard of Portland, showcasing the city's sights and sounds with a light touch.
My favorite Portland shout-out was Van Sant's cameo at Half & Half; I also loved seeing Jackpot Records and hearing Elliott Smith.
I saw another good movie shot in Portland not too long ago. Old Joy is a meditative film starring Daniel London and Will Oldham. I'd heard about it when it came out in 2006, but just happened to see it on TV a couple of weeks ago. Not much happens in this Jon Raymond story about two old friends who head to Bagby Hot Springs for a weekend, but it's evocative and moving — and a nice counterpoint to Paranoid's coming-of-age theme. Old Joy is about coming of a slightly older age, maybe even maturity.
Ebert liked it, too.
2 comments:
I liked Paranoid Park much more than I expected to, it reminded me of the Portland I remember as a teenager. I love the part where the kids go try on vintage clothes.
Great post title, by the way...
I'm adding Old Joy to my Netflix queue.
I second that. The post title is awesome!
Had no idea about this movie. Believe me, I spent many a hour in paranoid park and also trying to stay far away from it. It was so scary! I just heard (don't know if it's true) that the next Amazing Race ends in Paranoid Park. Apparently the ending has already been filmed...
Can't wait to see this movie. Elephant was so-so. Still I will watch anything Van Sant does, especially if filmed in Portland. Now I have a hankering to see 'My own private Idaho' again.
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