Detachment (Tony Kaye, 2011)

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mark f's Avatar
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Bright light. Bright light. Uh oh.
08-06-13


I've noticed a few MoFos discussing this movie lately, so I thought it would probably be time to start a thread about it. For those who have seen it or know what it's about and don't know me, let me tell you a little. I was a substitute teacher for years at a continuation high school in a gang-infested city. My specialty was taking long-term assignments where I'd have all the responsibilities of a regular teacher, including giving grades on the report card and overseeing parent/teacher conferences. So I relate to the film on many personal levels.

I've seen it twice but only think it's OK. Brody is good and it makes some interesting points, but I don't find it terribly successful. Still, it's worth watching and discussing, especially since it's getting a big reputation at IMDb. So what did you think and why? I'll try to respond when I feel the urgency, but feel free to use this thread to talk about the film in any way.
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08-06-13
Here's my mini review of Detachment, I think I watched it around January of this year (I was very hyped up for the watch), and was blown away belong expectations. I'm glad it's getting some late hype and recognition that it deserves.

When I saw the trailer I was amazed, but when I finally saw it I didn't know what I was coming into. One of the most emotionally devastating passionate films I've ever seen. I had to turn it off twice just to give myself a break. I came very close to tears in the animal abuse scene, which got me unbelievably angry. It was very dark and in your face. It was hardcore pessimism, but it's the only way it could've gotten its message across. Brody had his best performance since The Pianist, and it might be the saddest movie since then. Many arthouse characteristics, like chalkboard drawing and philosophy from Brody. Still not sure if it was scripted, or real. Very unique, and has a strong message. I think everyone needs to watch this.
What I failed to mention was how difficult the nursing scenes were, and despite being a completely dark look, I feel this offers far more than Freedom Writers which is just cheesy garbage, while this is raw. A movie that should be taken far less seriously, but is also a solid effort The Substitute (1996), its for a more actiony Dirty Harry type of crowd, but it's also on the same direction.
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Originally Posted by mark f
Yeah, there's no body mutilation in it



seanc's Avatar
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Trying Real Hard To Be The Shepherd
08-07-13
Sounds interesting. That's what I love about this site, I have never even heard of this film. Ill take a look.
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Badash Mofo
08-07-13
I liked it a lot but it felt uneven to me. Sometimes I was blown away by the raw emotion, other times I cringed. It's definitely a flawed personal favorite. It felt like an 80s movie to me, somehow. It has soul, and when it's good, it's very good. James Caan especially nailed it, great performance.

I guess it's a film that will either deeply speak to you or you'll go "meh".
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Badash Mofo
08-07-13
Originally Posted by seanc
Sounds interesting. That's what I love about this site, I have never even heard of this film. Ill take a look.
It's on Netflix Instant, if you have that.



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And when I'm all alone I feel I don't wanna hide
08-07-13
As mentioned in the other thread, this is one of my very favourite films, and an utterly compelling drama.

Firstly, it's one of the most astute and socially relevant critiques of the public education system in film. It's an alarming warning to what is happening in our schools; how it's no longer about educating the students, but of political capital and status. It really is a comment on the decline of not only education, but public institutions in general. The only other piece of fiction that rivals this film in terms of its sheer authenticity and intelligence is the fourth season of The Wire.

Secondly, this film, from a stylistic standpoint, is impeccable. It's vaguely reminiscent of a Terrence Malick film; Kaye employs this avant-garde, highly radical approach, without it coming across as self-indulgent, showy or pompous. It's also beautifully shot, consisting of some inventive, fresh camerawork. My appreciation for Kaye as a filmmaker also grows considering he was the cinematographer of this masterwork (just like with his directorial debut, American History X).

Thirdly, this is an subliminally written film. It manages to provide such an adept criticism of the education system whilst having compact, diverting and personal characters. So even if the themes of this film disinterest you, it spawns this beautifully crafted relationship between the two leads.

Overall, this is just everything I desire in a film. It's ambitious in its social commentary, has a truly artistic and unique stylistic approach, sports impeccable performances, and is a prime example of enthralling storytelling from start to finish.

People may view my thoughts as hyperbole, but I could relate to this film on several different levels, so it naturally came across as a honest and personal piece of filmmaking.

I'd advise everyone to watch this.



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28 days...6 hours...42 minutes...12 seconds
08-07-13
From what I remember, Detachment is a perfect title as that is what I felt while watching the film.

The two complaints I have is one: The lack of direction in story. We have all these characters that ultimately do nothing. Two, the relationship between the prostitute and him felt forced.

I love how it is shot and think Kaye is a wonderful director. I like the performances and the film held my attention. I just didn't relate to it all that well and wanted a more visceral punch from Kaye, his other two films American History X and Lake of Fire are emotionally draining. Detachment goes for that near the end, but falls short.

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08-08-13
Decent film with interesting performances. Kaye clearing wanted to tell a story without telling a story, if that makes any sense.

I liked it, but wouldn't watch it again anytime soon.



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Trying Real Hard To Be The Shepherd
08-10-13
Just watched the film and probably need a little time to digest it. Ultimately though I think I will come more on the side of the way Usual Suspect feels. I can't decide whether this film wants to be the most realistic commentary on the education system or the least realistic. There are an awful lot of relationships and conflict to digest. Some feel very authentic while some could not feel more contrived. It is a strange thing to say about such a small film but I think it was too ambitious.