Gerry
Two friends named Gerry become lost in the desert after taking a wrong turn. Their attempts to find their way home only lead them into further trouble.
-
- Cast:
- Casey Affleck , Matt Damon
Similar titles
Reviews
To me, this movie is perfection.
a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.
This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
A lot of desert plan, lots of inner life of the characters, if they really have it. Personally I have not been able to get bored anymore. I thought how much they would have charged for making this movie, what a shame.It looks like the director was not very excited about the movie. Plans with the actors at distance of senseless distance.I wonder why it lasts what lasts and not half an hour or so, is there any special reason? Surely the director does not know.Spoiler: In the beginning he says it all. Eight minute clock following a car with two totally mute characters. They will have found themselves inwardly, I do not doubt it, I too, but with my dreams.Suddenly they are already in the car. You think what you want you already know that he will not reveal anything to you.
Gerry - a metaphoric film of self-realization Okay - maybe I got something completely different out of this film than almost everyone else (including the critics). I believe the film is about the struggle of ONE individual (portrayed by a dichotomy of two characters in the movie). Let me try to explain my hypothesis as simple as possible......the movie is a metaphor of life facing internal struggle - a coming to terms with reality and overcoming a serious issue, finally being able to move on (for instance, addiction...death of a loved one....letting go of the thing that has been hurting you). I believe this movie shows us, ironically, two characters named Gerry for an obvious reason - it is split between the two sides of all of us. The one side that is struggling through and finding only more weakness (Affleck), and the side that represents strength, determination and the will to conquer (Damon). By the characters using the verbage in the movie - we "gerried" that up (used instead of messed up or f$*ked up) you begin to feel the Gerry is even a metaphoric name, perhaps, or the singular character that is dealing with their issue. Important note - I don't believe either Damon or Affleck represent the character who is dealing with this adversity (metaphorically represented as being lost in a wasteland with no support). They go to the desert to find a "thing" - it is never mentioned what the "thing" is, and for good reason. When you are dealing with a major problem in your life, you don't necessarily know what can save you - you just grasp at straws. The beautiful, yet barren landscape is the mind of the person dealing with this painful issue. Once alone in this metaphoric land - he can overcome only by never quitting and falling back - in essence, perishing. In one scene, Damon's character makes a dirt pillow for Affleck's character to jump down on once he becomes somehow stuck on a high rock - again a forward representation of a troubled person helping himself by showing strength and determination. A small step in the right direction....the weak may find a way into trouble, but it takes strength and sensibility in a person to get them out of it. In the end, it becomes obviously clear (assuming you believe what I am saying). By Damon choking Affleck's character - it shows us that the strength and determination of this individual will win - he will not remain lost anymore. When Damon's character is picked up by a man and his son, there is a clear metaphor of rebirth. He is being led out of the "desert" reborn again as a child (innocent). Looking back at the desert, he realizes that he is past the point in his life that has tormented him for so long...... This movie is about a lot more than two guys named "Gerry" that get lost in the desert. Bravo to Gus Van Sant, one of the most thought-provoking, cerebral and visualistic directors of our time....
This is 103 minutes of my life i will always regret. I watched this title in 2003. It is now over 10 years later and i still get an uncontrollable desire to punch someone in the face when i hear they're called Gerry. Do yourself a favour, drop a hairdryer in the bath before indulging in any morbid curiosity you have in watching this abysmal movie. I can't believe I'm even forced to write 10 lines on this review! My therapist has cautioned me that if i start on a tirade on Gerry i will suffer immediate regression. I feel like slitting my wrists just thinking about it, so please allow me to cheat....This is 103 minutes of my life i will always regret. I watched this title in 2003. It is now over 10 years later and i still get an uncontrollable desire to punch someone in the face when i hear they're called Gerry. Do yourself a favour, drop a hairdryer in the bath before indulging in any morbid curiosity you have in watching this abysmal movie. I can't believe I'm even forced to write 10 lines on this review! My therapist has cautioned me that if i start on a tirade on Gerry i will suffer immediate regression. I feel like slitting my wrists just thinking about it, so please allow me to cheat....This is 103 minutes of my life i will always regret. I watched this title in 2003. It is now over 10 years later and i still get an uncontrollable desire to punch someone in the face when i hear they're called Gerry. Do yourself a favour, drop a hairdryer in the bath before indulging in any morbid curiosity you have in watching this abysmal movie. I can't believe I'm even forced to write 10 lines on this review! My therapist has cautioned me that if i start on a tirade on Gerry i will suffer immediate regression. I feel like slitting my wrists just thinking about it, so please allow me to cheat....
"Gerry" is a film by Gus Van Sant, the director of "Good Will Hunting" and "Elephant." It stars Matt Damon and Casey Affleck as two friends who get lost in the desert; they spend the ENTIRE film (1 hour and 43 minutes) just walking around the beautiful landscapes trying to find a way out.Needless to say, as a captivating piece of cinema, "Gerry" is a TOTAL failure. I say this without any reservation because my definition of a good film is one that simply maintains your interest. If the film fails to capture your interest, that is, it bores you, causes your thoughts to wander, puts you to sleep, etc. THEN IT'S NOT A GOOD FILM. Yet, even though this is true, I find there are a number of reasons why "Gerry" is a worthwhile piece of cinema: 1.) It gives a good laugh. Although it's a serious "story" and by no means a comedy, I found myself uproariously laughing on quite a few occasions. Why? I don't know, perhaps because I can't believe someone would actually blow the money on making such a "film" and actually think people would like it (well, beyond the art-geek community of Greenwich Village) (I'm kidding!).2.) It makes the perfect joke movie. What I mean is, you can tell a friend or family member what a great movie you got for them to watch (do a lot of raving) and put "Gerry" in; then just kick back and wait for their inevitable negative reaction (e.g. "This movie's a piece of sh*t", etc.). In most cases it will only take between 15 and 20 minutes, and certainly no longer than 35 minutes, unless it's someone who has a romantic interest in you and doesn't want to hurt your feelings.3.) If, like me, you enjoy watching beautiful landscapes, in this case desert landscapes filmed in America and Argentina, then "Gerry" is a great flick to kick back to and enjoy. Especially if you just want to relax and not have to THINK. The soothing piano/violin soundtrack nicely enhances the relaxing mood.4.) It's a great sleep-aid. Seriously, if you're having trouble sleeping, pop in "Gerry" and it'll send you straight to la-la land. I'm serious here, the first time I watched "Gerry" I was ready to fall asleep after a mere 20 minutes, although I ended up lasting about a half hour. Because of this, it took me FOUR intervals to complete the film (and, yes, it put me to sleep each time).Just so you know, the movie is titled "Gerry" because the two guys constantly refer to each other as "Gerry," a friendly nickname meaning "loser" or "screw-up." Although the film itself is a bore I do enjoy the debates over its probable symbolism, e.g. life itself is a desert and the foolhardy side of your psyche must perish in order for you to survive, etc.By the way, the Affleck character fits the name "Gerry" to a 'T.' You gotta listen REAL close when he speaks because he just sort of mumbles his lines (what few there are).BOTTOM LINE: Although "Gerry" is an utter failure as far as captivating cinema goes, it's definitely worth picking up for the four reasons noted above, hence, my 3-Star rating. I also have to admit respecting "Gerry" because it's so unique; it brazenly rejects EVERY cinematic convention, and one can't help but admire such "boldness." Which prompts me to wonder: Maybe Gus Van Sant is pulling the ultimate Gerry on us -- and we're all Gerrys because we FELL for it!GRADE: D+