It is amazing to see what kind of evolution Reese Witherspoon's career has endured. From acting the role of a pretty-in-pink law student to the role of June Carter to the role of a woman hiking a 1,100 mile trail, Witherspoon seems to be able to pull off anything. In this film she plays an up-tight high school student who is determined to become powerful through her influence of others. Again, Witherspoon perfects the role through her straight posture and creepily friendly tone. Not once does she seem to stray from the role, creating a whole new person that frustrates the audience with her precise antics. She acts as a reminder of all of those frauds who you thought were your friends in high school, but turned out to really just want more popularity.
Definitely the most astonishing fact of this film for me is the director. Alexander Payne who recently directed the films Nebraska and The Descendants helms this film, steering it into a sort of organized chaos. Through his use of montage, we see characters come to life before our eyes. Each of them literally introduces themselves in the film, giving us their views of their lives in their own eyes. Another use of montage connects all three of the high school presidential candidates together as they pray for their success the night before elections. This montage shows that the characters are at the same point in their lives, but have different views on their positions and how they will succeed.
Repetition throughout the film shows another key aspect of Payne's creative direction and the intelligent writing that went into the film. Often times, characters are seen doing similar things, but with their own twists. While Tracy is always doing things concisely, Paul is portrayed as a lazy character through these repetitive scenes. Not only that, but clever one-liners are repeated throughout the film, getting the audience to really think about the script.
The Bottom Line: This film is very wittily written and has a sort of directorial organization that counters the more disorganized storyline used to connect a bunch of different characters.
Score: 7.5/10
Definitely the most astonishing fact of this film for me is the director. Alexander Payne who recently directed the films Nebraska and The Descendants helms this film, steering it into a sort of organized chaos. Through his use of montage, we see characters come to life before our eyes. Each of them literally introduces themselves in the film, giving us their views of their lives in their own eyes. Another use of montage connects all three of the high school presidential candidates together as they pray for their success the night before elections. This montage shows that the characters are at the same point in their lives, but have different views on their positions and how they will succeed.
Repetition throughout the film shows another key aspect of Payne's creative direction and the intelligent writing that went into the film. Often times, characters are seen doing similar things, but with their own twists. While Tracy is always doing things concisely, Paul is portrayed as a lazy character through these repetitive scenes. Not only that, but clever one-liners are repeated throughout the film, getting the audience to really think about the script.
The Bottom Line: This film is very wittily written and has a sort of directorial organization that counters the more disorganized storyline used to connect a bunch of different characters.
Score: 7.5/10
