Writer/Director: Charlie Kaufmann
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener and Emily Watson
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actresses have made movies which audiences treasure like Catherine Keener. Ever since her rise toward recognition in the 1990’s, Kenner has become a feminist icon. Whether it is racist mothers, theatre managers or famous authors, Keener has played several compelling characters. Arguably, Keener’s finest strength as an actress has always been her willingness to take risks. She has never been afraid to take risks in her career playing complicated women which aren’t always likeable. An actress with a powerful commitment to her craft, Keener has become a world famous icon in entertainment. Although she is often relegated to supporting roles in movies, Keener has always managed to leave a lasting impression. Through her bold career decisions, Keener has become an icon which audiences value. Throughout her career, Keener has made many unforgettable movies that are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Keener and admire all the films she had made in her career. However, “Synecdoche, New York” is my favourite. Released in 2008, Charlie Kaufmann’s film captured the life of a depressed director of a stage production. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best movies ever made about depression. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Catherine Keener, who embodies a theatre director struggling to stage a stage play. Ultimately, what makes “Synecdoche, New York” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about theatre directors, it discusses strong themes everyone will relate to. It delivers a profound message about grief which would definitely resonate with everyone. A riveting masterpiece about depressed artists, there are countless reasons why “Synecdoche, New York” is a film worth seeing.
Set in New York, “Synecdoche, New York” tells the story of a struggling theatre director which faces tragedies. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Caden, a renowned theatre director that faces a decline in popularity. No longer the renowned artist he once used to be, Caden questions his faith in a profession that he once loved dearly. Caden’s pessimistic attitude affects his bonds with his beloved wife Adele (Catherine Keener). However, Caden’s life forever changed when he is given the opportunity to stage a new play in theatre. Seeing a window of opportunity, he is suddenly given chances to rebuilt his broken life facing tragedy. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Caden begins to wonder if it is possible for him to become a successful play director. Facing a dilemma, Caden questions if he can stage a successful play earning praise in America.
Charlie Kaufman has always been fascinated with themes of depression. A bold filmmaker, Kaufman has often told compelling stories of artists that face disaster. With “Synecdoche, New York”, however, he made his first theatre adaptation. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the tensions faced by theatre stage directors which face tragedy but he succeeded tremendously. Using stunning cinematography, Kaufman captures a theatre director seeking to stage a play facing tragedy. Kaufman deftly uses montages to capture tensions theatrical play directors are always facing. For instance, montages elevate the opening scene. During this unforgettable scene, Caden goes about his daily routine of creating a theatrical play. One appreciates montages capturing hardship that stage play directors are facing. Montages are tricky techniques to use in films. As Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” suggested, montages often enhance horror movies about racism. Spike Jonze’s “Adaptation” claimed montages are suited to commemorated movies about world-famous screenwriters. That being said, it works immensely in this movie. Through captivating visuals, Kaufman conveys hardships that theatre play directors are often facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Synecdoche, New York” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Kaufman excels at designing sets for his films, and “Synecdoche New York” is no exception. Kaufman excels at using production design to capture the lives of theatre performers that experience a decline. For instance, the production of the theatrical play elevates the stage play scene. During this unforgettable scene, Caden stages his play in a state of tension. One appreciates production capturing the lives of theatre performers which face tension. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Jon Brion’s commemorated music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that theatre performers bear. Through phenomenal production, Kaufman captures the lives of theatre directors seeking to stage a play causing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Synecdoche, New York” is a film which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses symbolism to capture tensions that theatre directors are enduring. Kaufman’s screenwriting strength is ability to capture the lives of theatre directors facing tragedy through symbolism. Throughout the movie, the stage play becomes a symbol of Caden’s deteriorating mind. For instance, the symbolism elevates the theatre scene. During this unforgettable scene, Caden experiences a nervous breakdown when his stage play does not go according to plan causing grim tension. Through clever symbolism, Kaufman creates a strong character that audiences can relate to. Symbolism is a tricky technique to use in films. Spike Jonze’s “Being John Malkovich” claimed that symbolism elevates movies about minds of famous actors. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Kaufman captures the struggles experienced by theatre directors seeking to stage a tricky plan.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Catherine Keener delivers one of her finest career performances as Adele. Keener first earned recognition playing actors in dramas. With “Synecdoche New York”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a theatre play manager seeking to create a stage production but she pulled it off successfully. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional Keener has often excelled at playing women enduring stress, and “Synecdoche New York” showcased her strengths as an actress. With riveting expressions, she captures the grief, identity and resentments of a theatre director seeking to stage a stressful production. It’s an exceptional performance from one of the best actresses working today.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is phenomenal as an ambitious theatre director which suffers from severe depression. Hoffman always excelled playing emotional heroes under pressure, and “Synecdoche, New York” showcased his finest strengths as an actor. Whether he’s having a nervous breakdown that’s anxiety inducing or questioning whether he has any reasons for living, Hoffman uses his strong expressions to create a theatre performer that’s compelling. It’s a fantastic performance from a legendary actor which is sadly no longer with us in the world today.
Finally, “Synecdoche, New York” will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing theatre directors facing tension. Unlike most movies about theatre performers, it tackles powerful themes that everyone will relate to. It tackles strong themes including identity, depression and self esteem that would definitely resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Broadway to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about grief which would definitely resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Synecdoche, New York” is one of those rare commemorated movies about theatre performers which everyone would adore.
Fans of Catherine Keener will definitely enjoy “Synecdoche, New York” and so will movie-goers seeking heartbreaking entertainment. A captivating classic about Broadway actors, it honours an actress that has built a legacy that is iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about depressed theatre performers seeking to stage a stressful Broadway play with a painful price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has built a lasting legacy earning a huge fan following for her abilities to portray compelling characters in captivating movies which are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating today.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 