DVD Review

Spun

When I rented Spun, I went off my vague knowledge that it was a drug movie; I didn?t know any details regarding its premise other than yes, it was about drugs.

Finishing up the film, I was still unsure regarding the details of that matter even after an hour and thirty-five minutes of plot structure.
In a nutshell, this movie is really just that ? a drug movie ? without a real story. The film plays like a story is going on, but often times it?s difficult to figure out what exactly there is beneath that vague description. It doesn?t take long to realize the truth behind the matter: theoretically, nothing happens for an hour and a half ? that is, nothing of significance.

I rented Spun for a potentially intriguing experience down similar road as Requiem for a Dream, and found the results lacking in almost all the ingredients that made that drug flick an unforgettable trip. Visually speaking, Spun wants to be Requiem ? it is obvious through the cinematography and quick cutting performed in the editing room; but what the filmmakers forget to realize is that the screenplay behind Requiem was as big of part as its ultra cool style.

In one argument you can almost claim that a script is nonexistent here; there are characters with dialogue and actions, but rarely are either functions shifting the story anywhere. Drugs of all sorts are used throughout the duration, but the sniffing of each substance is about the only transition on the page that permits the characters to enter or leave a scene. The film creates the illusion that it?s trying to make a statement regarding its subject matter (drugs), but the only thing that is expressed is that the substance forces its characters to scream and yell at each other, convinced that all sorts of paranoia-related events are taking place.

I?ve thought about it, and perhaps that is the precise point of Spun: take characters we don?t know, and whom we?ll never know, give them drugs, and then let the audience watch these characters from there on out; since these personas are empty in ambition, do they need character analysis?? Only if the filmmakers want to effectively establish a plot and allow the viewer to root for the main characters, as the way it is, there is absolutely no reason to invest attachment with any of these souls; the only compassion I held was within the familiarity of the actors.

Let me note that I adored Rules of Attraction (A-) to pieces, of which was a film many thought lacked in a reason to care for the people on screen. For me, it wasn?t about finding comfort within the characters (in Rules), but more so the ability to be intrigued by their actions; I was fascinated by their lives and the presentation of the story.

And so you might ask, why did Spun achieve an actual rating if there is almost nothing in this film worth talking about? Well, as noted above, there is plenty of cool style inserted, and it ends up saving the show even though it simultaneously distracts and makes you realize the lack of anything going on. The cast?s talents are wasted for the most part, but they make a nothing film jump up a level with simply their presence; call it a gem of their abilities; call it whatever you want ? they still aren?t under solid material.

What?s frustrating is to see a pack of rising 20-some year olds with talent, all under the same script of which happens to be leagues below their mentality. Though not all faces here have impressed greatly with previous works, that?s not to say that some of them don?t hold auras of being able to grasp complicated roles. Like Adam Sandler in Punch-Drunk Love, there may very well be serious actors inside bodies that some of us would never have thought to ask; but with Spun, we?re unfortunately not able to find that out quite yet.

Featured in the cast is Jason Schwartzman, John Liguizamo, Brittany Murphy, Patrick Fugit, Mena Suvari, and a small appearance by Mickey Rourke. It would be logical and procedural to go through and explain whom everyone plays in character and the meaning of their role, but even on my part I cannot go through those details, as that type of information is never quite established ? your guess is as good as mine.

Besides from being an almost pointless drug movie, Spun has its way of passing down an essence of disgust and dirtiness that can get beneath your skin, almost tempting you to shower as a result. Coming from this genre, that may be excusable for appropriate effect; here, its intentions are useless.

The film doesn?t have much to offer, but its emphasis on the looks of things manages to save itself from the train wreck that could?ve likely fallen out with any other filmmaker; then again, are there other directors who would accept the screenplay as is? We will never know.

DVD Features:
- Music Video
- Deleted Scenes
- Theatrical Trailers

Audio Features:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Lee's Grade: C
Ranked #76 of 132 between Buffalo Soldiers (#75) and The Eye (2003) (#77) for 2003 movies.

A	0.4%
B	30.0%
C	61.7%
D	8.0%
F	0.0%