November (2004/2005)
Sort of like "Pi" and "Groundhog
Day," "November" is an enigmatic film that may leave
the casual viewer with as many questions as it does
answers. Then again, it's doubtful that the casual
viewer will ever see this movie, unless their a big
Courtney Cox fan.
And she is billed as Courtney Cox
here - not Courtney Cox Arquette. What is up with
that? Things are okay - aren't they - between her
and David? After this whole Brad and Jen thing, I
don't think I can take another heartbreak. I mean,
my goodness - oh, how we want the "Friends" to be
happy.
Seriously though, Coxy-girl does
a very nice job here. She wears glasses to make her
look smart but that doesn't matter. What matters is
that she leaves her Monica trappings far behind her
and gets a chance to prove she is a decent actress.
And prove it she does.
Shot on digital video and released
as a "Indigent" (Independent Digital Entertainment)
product, "November" is about a female photography
teacher (Cox) whose boyfriend is killed in a convenience
store robbery. The teacher visits a psychiatrist to
deal with her grief and come to terms with her loss.
But soon things begin to turn inside
out and the film becomes somewhat of a mystery. I
won't spoil the film by continuing to write a synopsis
of what happens but suffice it to say that we are
confused about what we see and wonder what is really
going on in the story. This confusion doesn't necessarily
make for compelling viewing as much as frustration
and ultimate resignation to giving oneself over to
the plot and waiting for the filmmaker Greg Harrison
to take his time and finally tell us what he is getting
at. Trying to make sense out what is going on will
only lead to misery. Don't despair, however; at the
final moment of the film, a plausible idea of what
the story is really all about will be revealed to
the viewer. Although subtle and open to some various
interpretations, the resolution is nonetheless somewhat
satisfying.
"November" isn't a great film but
it isn't a bad film either. It's good to see Cox in
something besides a "Friends" rerun or a "Scream"
sequel. The other actors do a fine job and the filmmaking
is solid. It's just that, even with Cox in a role
we haven't seen her in before, the film seems very
reminiscent of several films we've seen in independent
cinema lately.
Notes:
Also with James LeGros, Nora Dunn,
and Anne Archer.
This is at least the ninth film
to have this title.
Debuted at Sundance in 2004 where
it won a cinematography award. It was also nominated
for an Independent Spirit Award. Sony Pictures Classics
began an arthouse run in July of 2005 but the film
did not fare well at the box office.
Viewed at the Dobie in Austin at
a press sneak in August of 2005.
