american honey
(2016) [R] 2h 43min Dir. Andrea Arnold
(2016) [R] 2h 43min Dir. Andrea Arnold
synopsis:
A teenage girl with nothing to lose joins a traveling magazine sales crew, and gets caught up in a whirlwind of hard partying, law bending and young love as she criss-crosses the Midwest with a band of misfits.
initial thoughts:
This movie was pure magic. Even though it ran a long running time, I found myself wanting to watch more. It was an adventure that most people haven’t experienced, and a thrilling one at that.
I could actually compare this film to Gummo. They both showcase misfits in deserted, isolated southern locations. But the this film does everything right that Gummo does wrong. American Honey has characters that are interesting and likable and diverse in race and sexuality. While both films portray southern lifestyle in a realistic way, American Honey not only shows confederate pride, but the complex dangers of it and how it affects certain people.
I completely loved the film from start to finish.The film utilizes unknown talent which makes the characters so real and human. Star (Sasha Lane) makes for a super compelling lead. She was perfectly cast, I couldn’t imagine the film with any other actress.From the music to the stunning cinematography, this film is truly a film for a new generation.
aesthetic / style:
+ Cinematography, Colors
+ Realism
+ Music
+ Close ups to show intimacy
+ Shallow depth of field
+ Stickers, gummy bears, little touches
A teenage girl with nothing to lose joins a traveling magazine sales crew, and gets caught up in a whirlwind of hard partying, law bending and young love as she criss-crosses the Midwest with a band of misfits.
initial thoughts:
This movie was pure magic. Even though it ran a long running time, I found myself wanting to watch more. It was an adventure that most people haven’t experienced, and a thrilling one at that.
I could actually compare this film to Gummo. They both showcase misfits in deserted, isolated southern locations. But the this film does everything right that Gummo does wrong. American Honey has characters that are interesting and likable and diverse in race and sexuality. While both films portray southern lifestyle in a realistic way, American Honey not only shows confederate pride, but the complex dangers of it and how it affects certain people.
I completely loved the film from start to finish.The film utilizes unknown talent which makes the characters so real and human. Star (Sasha Lane) makes for a super compelling lead. She was perfectly cast, I couldn’t imagine the film with any other actress.From the music to the stunning cinematography, this film is truly a film for a new generation.
aesthetic / style:
+ Cinematography, Colors
+ Realism
+ Music
+ Close ups to show intimacy
+ Shallow depth of field
+ Stickers, gummy bears, little touches

final thought:
2016 has been a ruff, slow year for movies. I would say American Honey has been my favorite this year and even last year (with the exception of Mommy).
It's memorable and unique and the soundtrack is so very good.
Also, it's so great to see such great, original female talent in front and behind the camera.
worth watching?
It's a must see. It's thrilling and interesting. Its a movie about people you might not see in your day to day life, the misfits and the "throw-aways". But I think many people can relate to the characters which makes it even more fascinating to watch.
It's worth a watch, I know I'll be re-watchhing soon.
2016 has been a ruff, slow year for movies. I would say American Honey has been my favorite this year and even last year (with the exception of Mommy).
It's memorable and unique and the soundtrack is so very good.
Also, it's so great to see such great, original female talent in front and behind the camera.
worth watching?
It's a must see. It's thrilling and interesting. Its a movie about people you might not see in your day to day life, the misfits and the "throw-aways". But I think many people can relate to the characters which makes it even more fascinating to watch.
It's worth a watch, I know I'll be re-watchhing soon.
rating: 4½ / 5