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13+conversations+about+one+thing | Year: 2001 Directed: - Jill Sprecher Actors/Actresses: - John Turturro - Alan Arkin Smart, tight and a great conversation piece (pun intended) Telling several intertwining stories in an out-of-order fashion, 13 Conversations About One Thing is just as the title implies: Thirteen conversations about what makes you happy. With an excellent ensemble cast including Matthew McConaughey, John Turturro, and Alan Arkin, the film smartly shows how one seemingly isolated event occurring to one person can effect the lives of others who don't even know of the other's existence. There have been plenty of films exploring how people's lives are interconnected, the most recent being Magnolia. But 13 Conversations About One Thing is more tightly woven then many other similar films. We clearly see all these connections and the cause and effect relationships they have, even though the characters never realize how small their world is. The result is a fantastic exploration of fate. But what pushes this film up another notch is how it doesn't stop there and provides another theme: Happiness. Each character is stuck at a point in life coming to terms with their own happiness, or their lack their of. Each character is unique and at a different stage, from finding happiness and suddenly losing it, to having lost it long ago. 13 Conversations About One Thing will lead to conversations long after the film, both on happiness and how small the world really is. This refreshingly good film is well worth checking out. "Show me a happy man..." (4.5 stars) If you were asked what the words "happiness" or "fate" meant to you, chances are your answer would be very different from everybody else. Not all the answers to simple or complex questions are the same, as this movie illustrates in a very creative and effective manner. "13 Conversations About One Thing" is a film that examines the daily life of human beings, and just how something so subtle or small can cause a chain reaction of events. The movie revolves around five New Yorkers who end up getting involved with one another's life in some way. There's the public defender who in a chain of events ends up walking the path of a criminal by covering his tracks. And then there is the bitter business man who can't stand the fact that one of his workers is always happy no matter what. There's the confused college professor who fears of not living life to the fullest after being mugged. There's the happy and enthusiastic cleaning woman who believes miracles happens everyday, but has her worldview drastically changed when she is hospitalized after being hit by a car. And finally, there's the woman who has to deal with the fact that her husband is cheating on her after having his stolen wallet returned. All of this is a setup for a sad, and yet moving film about the everyday events that we overlook from time to time. And how we never really notice even the smallest chain reactions that occur everywhere. This was a great movie to watch and kept my attention throughout. I do admit that I was confused the first time, being that the movie really isn't told in chronological order, but more set up as little separate stories. After seeing it a second time it really did help me understand more of what was transpiring. It always makes me happy to see a film like this that actually makes you think and want to re-evaluate the things you see in life. The cast was sensational. Alan Arkin was really a joy to watch and I'm sad that he didn't get more recognition. As he is always good in what he does, this is one of his best roles in recent memory. Matthew McChonaughey is also terrific and deserves mention. John Turturro never fails to impress me and I believe he was perfect for his role. Clea Duvall really makes you sympathize with what has happened to her and you really do hope that her worldview can go back to the way it was. And last, but not least, Amy Irving really delivers an exceptional performance. The writing and directing is also very impressive as well. The DVD has a few things to offer; not a lot, but enough to keep me content. There's a couple of trailers (including the one for the movie itself), and commentary (which I have yet to hear but am anxious to listen to). The picture and sound quality is really good and does the movie justice. "13 Conversations About One Thing" is a highly interesting movie that can actually speak to you if you allow it to. Although it may be confusing at times, it still does more than just simply getting the job done. It makes us think, it makes us wonder, and it makes us pause in silence. Of course, this is one not everyone is going to like, but I think the movies that don't appeal to everybody are the ones worth examining. You'll never know where and when you'll find a gem. This was a very deep and emotionally charged film, and I am glad I gave it a chance. It was not time wasted, I can tell you that much. Angst and Connection After directing Clockwatchers, one of the most intelligent and interesting films of the past decade, Jill Sprecher has come out with another gem. 13 Conversations is a fascinating look at the intersecting lives of a group of mostly unhappy New Yorkers. The film has similarities to Short Cuts and Magnolia, suggesting that the lives and destinies of seemingly unconnected people may be linked in some fundamental, perhaps even metaphysical way. It also has the nonlinear structure of films like Pulp Fiction. To its credit, 13 Conversations holds its own with all three of these films and is quite original in its approach. The performances are all very strong, especially Alan Arkin as a cynical manager in an insurance agency and Clea Duvall as a house cleaner with a cheerful outlook until catastrophe strikes. Matthew Mcconaughey and John Turturro are also perfectly cast. The plot (or plots) of 13 Conversations is compelling, but is secondary to the questions it raises about finding meaning and happiness in an often harsh and chaotic world. The tone of the film is often brooding, yet the message is ultimately hopeful. As in Clockwatchers, Jill Sprecher has something very significant to say about life in these times. Buy 13 Conversations About One Thing at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on 13 Conversations About One Thing Search with the Priority Search Engine on 13 Conversations About One Thing This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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