I get a chill just thinking about that movie - definately in my top ten. Be sure to check out Punch Drunk Love, which just recently came out on DVD. It’s also a Paul Thomas Anderson flick and is similarly “riveting even though there isn’t much going on.” It’s a bit more oddball in some respects but still a great movie.
Joshmaker - I am only just now getting into some Aimee Mann stuff (well, apart from Til Tuesday when I was in highschool!) - She’s great!
Cervaise - Some very good observations. And you’re right that some of the most outstanding films need a second look to really glean everything the filmmaker is trying to impart. I think I need to see it again.
KidCharlemagne - I haven’t seen that one, but it’s funny you should mention it since my brother just told me to rent it!
Again, thanks everyone for your input!
I really liked the frogs. The movie was just so earnest and heavy for two hours . . . and then it starts to rain frogs, without warning (unless you really know your scripture), and you have a moment of synchronicity with the characters. First, “what the fuck is this?” Then, all the terribly serious stuff that you’ve been worrying about throughout the film gets put into perspective, and it’s not half the burden it seemed to be just minutes ago.
What a good idea.