Reality Bites
Directed by Ben Stiller
Starring Ethan Hawke, Winona Ryder, and Ben Stiller
First of all, let me mention that this movie has two taglines: “Life is always funny when it happens to someone else” and “A comedy about love in the 90’s.” Thought it was interesting that they couldn’t pick one. Maybe that’s a normal thing to have two taglines…. What do I know? Though, I have to say that I probably wouldn’t describe this film as a comedy. Is that their point? That life in the 90’s was dramatic? That it was funny that life in the 90’s is actually very dramatic but that’s what people thought was funny?
Reality Bites is a drama about four college graduates and how they each are dealing with life right after school. Winona Ryder plays Lelaina, the valedictorian of her graduating class who is interested in entering the entertainment industry through means of a documentary. The documentary follows her and three friends through the first ups and downs of life in the real world. Her best friend
This movie basically just attacks human values and the way that different people deal with stress. The possession of money is the easiest way to distinguish some of the debating values between two opposite characters, like those shown between
I really enjoyed this quote from
One of the main things that I liked about this film was the fact that the stories and feelings of each individual character actually seem realistic. I understand that’s the whole idea, but they really were very easy to relate to. Each character had their own sense of charm and charisma that separated them from each other but also helped expand the plot to connect with a bunch of different lifestyles that are most likely presented in the audiences that enjoyed it. While one character is dealing with their sexual lifestyle, the other is verbally tearing down the
Another thing that I really enjoyed was the style of the film. Shots from Lelaina’s documentary are shown as shots of the actual movie and I thought that was an interesting way to show that, while we aren’t seeing her film her friends all the time, she is still filming and creating her documentary.
Most of the time, I notice the wardrobe of characters in films. Color symbolism and different styles are an interesting way to decipher what’s about to happen in movies. In Reality Bites, I really only noticed one thing. Throughout the movie,
Also, let me just add this- I love Winona Ryder. Ever since I saw Girl, Interrupted I have loved everything I’ve seen her in. Except Mermaid.
And this- Ethan Hawke seems like such a jerk, but I really liked his portrayal of
On the Becki Scale- I give it a 7.
Are there any Van Damme movies in that collection of yours?
ReplyDeleteYou seriously need a Van Dosage of some Van Dammage! Prepare to watch one over the break!
**karate kick**
I love this movie so much. For what it wanted to accomplish, I think it's perfect in every way. Reading this made me want to watch it again, hahah. It's the kind of movie I can never get sick of & I think it's one of the few movies that captures the 90's so well. I just love every single character in this movie. Especially Ethan Hawke<3 & that scene when Wynona is on the phone with the psychic is just one of the funniest things ever to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing you'll really like Ethan Hawke in "Before Sunrise/Before Sunset."
ReplyDeleteNicole- I LOVE THAT SCENE-forgot about that!
ReplyDeleteBen- Watching it now and I think I just feel in love.