Under a haze of pot smoke, Joaquin Phoenix wanders about Southern California as P.I. Doc Sportello trying to piece together the conundrum of a missing ex-girlfriend, a brainwashed real estate fiend and a murder.
Adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s 2009 novel of the same name, director Paul Thomas Anderson crafted a chic two-and-a-half-hour adventure. The film received two well-deserved Oscar nods for Best Costume Design and Best Writing for Adapted Screenplay.
Anderson captures the dopey and pseudo-carefree style of the ‘70s perfectly without hyperbolizing any single aspect. Open sexuality, mystery and psychedelic tendencies blend seamlessly together. Subtle winks and nods of humor make the film three-dimensional and just compelling enough to keep viewers engaged through such an involved plot.
In the movie, Doc Sportello is a perpetually-high hippie private investigator investigating possible crimes against real estate mogul (mongrel) Mickey Wolfmann (played by Eric Roberts) per the request of the ex-girlfriend who got away — Shasta Fay Hepworth who is portrayed by Katherine Waterston.
Josh Brolin also delivers a notable performance as Lieutenant Detective Bigfoot. The LAPD dynamo delightfully contrasts Sportello’s Scooby-Doo style of detective work with his stringent policeman façade that provides much of the comedy for the film. Like these two, every character utilizes his or her quirks for unique interpersonal play between creatures of all sorts.
Anderson washes the film in specific tones and lighting to depict SoCal in a dreamy stoner state that transports viewers clearly to earlier times.
Gifted acting and brilliant cinematography aside, the issue of the plot is wholly apparent. Everything that happens appears critical to the complex storyline, leaving the audience perplexed for extended periods of time. This meant that if viewers zone out for even five minutes, confusion ensues. The multitude of plotlines and unending character connections creates a winding whodunit.
Inherent Vice may require a great deal of attention, but its Oscar nods and clever entertainment make it well worth the time.
_MOVE gives “Inherent Vice” 4 out of 5 stars._