Film Journal 2024: Drive-Away Dolls
Directed by Ethan Coen
Definitely missing the other half of the Coen brothers. Seems like there’s an intriguing vision here that doesn’t quite translate beyond the film’s extremely surface appeal. This is basic plot point stuff, taking its story from point A to point B, without much I the way of surprises, intrigue, depth, or nuance. Which is surprising given this comes from one half of the modern cinematic legends.
The film also struggles a bit on the technical front, employing some visual flourishes and editing choices that feel more scattered than cohesive. Those choices, including some digitally enhanced sequences, seem designed to add some artistic presence, but ultimately just end up feeling forced.
I knew nothing about the film and its subject matter going in, and for me, I wanted far less of its clear obsession with sex (it seems like it was trying to push the envelope and establish some noted humor) and far more of its characters. More of the two friends going on a roadtrip in the face of some unconventional circumstances, which could have been a decent basis for having some fun.
Not only that, but given the flavor of the film, it seemed odd for the story to ultimately bind itself to what I would describe as a clear sexual ethic. To be honest, it’s an aspect of the film I appreciated, as it’s rare to find a film willing to be honest about the nature of sex devoid of covemtal language. It just didn’t jive with what the film seemed to be going for in terms of its overall explicitenesss and exessivenesss. It was a weird message and moral to emerge from the film, even if it was a welcome one.
There are some moments that work, to be sure. It’s still a Coen afterall. But it ultimately felt pretty muddled, distant, and shallow as a film overall.
The Stories of my Life 