While I quickly discover that Apple TV doesn't really have the greatest UI, nor does it really have a lot to offer, I felt like browsing through it yet again today in search of a film to check out. I came across a film featuring the late Bill Murray, an actor I haven't really seen in a while, and only really in films alongside Wes Anderson. Bill Murray seems to act rarely these days, only really with those he has worked closely with throughout his career, or low budget misses in which he's barely present. In this case, he stars in On the Rocks, a film directed by the very famous Sofia Coppola, of the filmmaking powerhouse of the Coppola family. Though name doesn't necessarily equate to endless hits. In fact, I can't really seem to remember most of Sofia's films. The most famous is most likely the film, again starring Bill Murray, Lost in Translation, which came about around the start of the 2000s. Since then, I don't think I've really seen anything from Sofia that has really stood out.
I was actually a bit surprised when I noticed this was by Sofia Coppola, but upon that discovery, I feel a lot of the film actually made sense. Sofia makes some rather bland looking films, ones that don't particularly stand out visually, but she attempts to make films that hold some sort of depressing narrative in its characters. Ones that seem lost, struggling, or in search of something greater. Especially alongside themes of self-destruction and heartache, as the characters yearn for something greater, at any cost. Even if it results in the collapse of all they know. Lost in Translation did this, and in some ways, so does On the Rocks. Though On the Rocks is a film that sort of feels like a sequel to Lost in Translation in a way, where that self-destructive behaviour has resulted in an unhappy life full of projection.
As a usual warning, this post may contain spoilers regarding the film's narrative. Though this is a fairly simple film and major spoilers that ruin the film are unlikely. That said, here is that warning.
On the Rocks
On the Rocks tries to convey the idea of twists and turns in a drama that has the audience questioning the legitimacy of a woman's partner in their relationship, at the hands of a self-destructive, unfaithful father that projects his endless insecurities and prior mistakes upon another. While under the assumption that he's protecting his daughter from an unfaithful partner, he uses his own experience in keeping secrets and making minor hiccups as signs of evidence in this supposedly failing relationship. The daughter, ending up controlled by the ideas of her partner cheating, goes on a mini adventure of stalking alongside her father in attempt to find out the truth, all while coming to terms with her father's failures as a parent, and a lover to her mother.
The story is pretty simple due to this. There isn't really much more to it, beyond the characters running around in search of answers. We see the development of Murray's character as a real piece of work. Someone that seems to have all of the answers, that makes things worse with a plethora of excuses and additions to the insecurities his own daughter has. There are coincidences in the relationship that may at a glance seem like red flags, which in turn are played as truth. It was an interesting dynamic as Murray's character exacerbates all of the problems, in a way manipulates. As the viewer I even felt that some of this might be true, that he was correct in his assumptions, and that while he was a terrible person himself, actually right.
The more the film progresses, the more we see his daughter starting to question his acts, remembering the past and understanding that he is hardly a role model and someone that can be trusted. The idea that her partner is having an affair seems likely too, there are indeed strange events that take place, a woman in his workplace that keeps popping up. But the truth contains to be vague. With the repetition of these questions, it's easy to assume the film might grow stale and a bit boring, but I felt that with its runtime of around 90 minutes, it was an interesting, and long enough time for what it had to say.
The film moves forward primarily with the use of the characters essentially stalking the partner. Trying to discover in real time the cheating that is supposedly taking place. From workplace, meetings, and trips abroad. Though all we end up seeing again are those realisations that Murray's character is flawed. Putting his own daughter's relationship at risk as the two quite literally spy on her partner and get caught up in troubles elsewhere. With this style of filmmaking, and the runtime, On the Rocks is a fairly simple film. It's one that doesn't rely on a large cast, or impressive cinematography, or even stellar performances. Everything actually seems rather bland in a way, an intentional way. One that displays sadness, uncertainty, and regret.
That said, it is your typical indie sort of flick. One that doesn't really leave any impressive mark. It comes and goes. Not that it is a negative in the film. But that for some it may not seem worthy of their time, even with that short runtime. It certainly doesn't leave any interesting influence, and its message is relatively straightforward at best. Certainly nothing to write home about, and definitely missing some of that soul that made Lost in Translation a bit more magical; for example, the score was almost nonexistent for me. The settings were just regular locations, intentional, but nothing utilised in any visually impressive style.
This is generally how Sofia works, though. For some, they'll love it. In my case, it's just a very average film. I still enjoyed it, but as mentioned: it is unlikely to leave any mark on you. And if you've seen Murray's performances before, you generally know what to expect from most of the film, including his performance here: just typical straight lines. Facial expressions void of genuine emotion. But it works well in his character, one void of emotion, void of empathy and understanding of his own mistakes. A character that just doesn't seem all that human. Robotic in a way.
I'd say it might be worth a watch if you don't really have anything else lined up on day. Or you don't feel particularly capable of giving something full attention. A simple film without much to say, and a short runtime that ensures it doesn't overstay its welcome at all.
