DISQUS

Cole Abaius · 1 year ago

Since when has graphic sexual deviance cleared out a movie theater?

Neil Miller · 1 year ago

Alright... Movie theater full of stuffy critics.

Tom S · 1 year ago

Having seen the Monday morning screening of Downloading Nancy, I ran into one of the film's writers. She asked me if I liked the movie. The answer to that question was a tricky one.

I told her that the film wasn't a film that the viewer would like or dislike in the traditional sense of movies. There are films that gives you a glimpse of something that's happening in other people's lives, something you'll never experience, perhaps something that you never knew existed and almost certainly something that is shocking and perhaps distasteful. Downloading Nancy is one of those films.

You can debate talking points like art direction and editing, but in the end this is the type of film that makes you do something that not very many people like to do—think. If that's not what you're into fine, go see Sex in the City: The Movie. That's just as valid a cinematic effort as this film, but one that serves a different purpose, to entertain not inform.

Don't slag a film because it makes you uncomfortable or because it might not have mass audience appeal, that's not what makes a film good or bad or why films like Downloading Nancy get made. The only waste of time here is for the movie goers who read your review expecting some insight.

Neil Miller · 1 year ago

Alright Tom, you are actually right.

Perhaps I should have provided more insight into the fact that the movie was just dreadfully slow and lacked any sort of depth. When I write reviews, I tend to look at how the film makes me feel -- which is my great opportunity.

I agree that this film attempts to give us insight into the lives of people whose experiences are very different than our own -- absolutely nothing wrong with that. The problem is that the combination of editing, character development and the bleak color tones of the film all leave the audience disinterested in the characters. Thus, it becomes a rather frustrating experience. The problem is that Downloading Nancy is not engaging whatsoever.

I didn't give the film an F just because I didn't like the subject matter -- it is actually the opposite. I gave the film an F because I dare not lead my readers into such a frustrating experience. There are so many more films out there that are worth the time of moviegoers than this one. Hopefully that provides more insight -- maybe not. It's ok. I will try better for you next time.

Miguel Lerner · 1 year ago

I think Downloading Nancy is a remarkable movie. Yes the tone is dark as well as the cinematography, but if you take in consideration that that is exactly how the lead character (Nancy) feels, it makes total sense.

At the end of the movie I was overwhelmed. I was not able to move for like about 15 minutes. It makes me sad to think that there are women out there who replaces love for pain, and that they think there is no way out other than death.

Maria Bello's performance is brave. It reminds me when "Requiem For a Dream" came out , most critics hated it. Ellen Bursty nabbed an Oscar nod and most likely will happen the same with Bello.

tyler rose · 1 year ago

A reviewer should probably state why the "editing, character development and the bleak color tones" make the audience disinterested, not just that they supposedly do. evidence for your claims, as they taught you in school (presumably). Lacking this, you come off as a sissy ponce whining about a perfectly legitimate choice (said tones).

Rhonda Biel · 5 months ago

I find it ironic that you blame the film for failing to connect, Mr. Miller. That you write it off as either depressing or just going for shock value. You could be Albert asking Nancy once more to please just knock it off.

Are these characters so different from the general public? How many of us are in loveless marriages? Were abused as kids and told it was love? Use trivial distractions to avoid the challenge of real relationship? Or try to feel *anything* by engaging in self-harm? When's the last time you woke up with a hangover from the night before?

I found this movie to be heartwrenchingly sad, and extraordinarily moving. The performances drew me in, and I became INVOLVED. I wanted to change their behavior. I wanted to save them. The story was hard to watch, yes. And I've had to think about a lot of dark things because of it. But I appreciate having my buttons pushed. It makes me grow.