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13 year-old Aviva Victor wants to be a mum. Although she
comes close to succeeding, she is thwarted by her sensible
parents. She runs away, still determined to get pregnant one
way or another and finds herself lost in another world of
strange possibilities...
The
films of Todd Solondz are always hard to define and Palindromes
is no different. Fans of his work on Welcome to the Doghouse
and Happiness will delight in this new slice of weirdness,
which proves that no matter where you go you inevitably end
up back at the beginning. Disturbingly dark, funny and absurd,
the vignettes that make up the film examine the birth of possibilities
in an often strange and incomprehensible world. The central
thread through this journey is twelve year old Aviva's desire
to become pregnant, a desire so nearly realised that it is
thwarted by her well meaning but ultimately self-centred parents.
Aviva ventures out into the world to discover that there are
always those who will exploit innocence and prejudge character.
Character
is also central to the narrative; Solondz explores the meaning
of what makes a sympathetic character by having her change
in a real sense. At different parts of the film Aviva is played
by different actresses. This forces the audience to explore
what it means for them to identify with Aviva and the level
of sympathy that they may or may not feel for her plight.
Is Aviva more or less sympathetic as a cute white middle class
girl, with cute curly hair, or do the audiences feelings change
when she morphs into an overweight African American? I think
that Todd is trying to say that regardless of ethnic origins
or body shape we should be identifying with a persons situation
regardless of who they are.
I once lent Happiness to a friend of my wife's once,
but only once as he returned it to me accusing me of being
a pervert. The reason I mention this is that Solondz' films
are not usually suitable for those of a closed mindset. The
film deals with some potentially difficult subjects. Apart
from the fact that Aviva is twelve, the film also touches
on anal sex, the nature of paedophilia, and murder. None of
the subjects are treated in a salacious or exploitative way,
if you're looking for cheap thrills you're looking in the
wrong place.
There
is little point in detailing the various performances as they
are all universally great. As well as dark moments there are
some great comic characters to behold, my favourite has to
be Mama Sunshine, who lives in an almost too perfect world,
rescuing disabled children to make her feel better after her
legless daughter ran away.
The
film comes with few extras. Sound options are for stereo,
5.1 surround or DTS, though it's not really a film that benefits
much from use of the rear speakers. There are also the theatrical
trailer and a set of Tartan promo reels.
If you love movies that aren't designed for sixteen year olds
with no attention span, and are willing, with an open mind,
to go on this funny and touching journey to find love, then
buy it, watch it, you'll love it.
 
Charles
Packer
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