27 Feb Inherent Vice Review

Far Out, Man

From the singular mind of acclaimed writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson comes this week’s FridayFlix pick, Inherent Vice. Set in 1970s Los Angeles, the film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Larry “Doc” Sportello, an eccentric detective searching for his missing ex-girlfriend, Shasta. In piecing together the clues of Shasta’s disappearance, Doc comes across a variety of interesting characters, each one leading him closer and closer to uncovering the mystery of her kidnapping and the secret drug organization that she’s involved in.

In this offbeat, tongue-in-cheek crime comedy, Anderson returns to his roots. Fans of his early movie, Boogie Nights, will appreciate this most recent venture, as it channels a similar, psychedelic era and returns to the playful nature of his storytelling. While those not accustomed to his style may find the storyline a bit muddled and confusing, they will most likely agree that the style and hilarity through which it unfolds is worth the head scratching. His directorial style comes through full force, and while his screenplay remains true to the Thomas Pynchon novel on which it is based, Anderson’s sharp writing makes the material his own. With an undeniably entertaining performance from Phoenix, strong supporting turns from Owen Wilson and Josh Brolin, and an exceptionally vivid production design, Inherent Vice proves to be an all-around immersive movie watching experience.

Watch Inherent Vice on FlixFling now.

This guest blog was written by Colleen Shields.