Meanwhile is the new film by American independent filmmaker, Hal Hartley. Meanwhile concerns Joe Fulton (DJ Mendel), a man who can do anything from fixing your sink to arranging international financing for a construction project. He produces online advertising and he's written a big fat novel. He's also a good drummer, but success eludes him. For Joe can't keep himself from fixing other people's problems - his own ambitions are constantly interrupted by his willingness and ability to go out of his way to help others.
T**G
Short and Sweet
I watched the 64 minute "Plain Devil" earlier in the week and thought "Well that's the shortest movie I'll see this week." Nope! "meanwhile" takes the honors at 58. And it uses that 58 minutes perfectly."meanwhile" is about that guy you know who acts like he has a million irons in the fire, but really has nothing going on and nowhere to go. We start off assuming the guy is a fast talking moocher, but by the end of the day, he's anything but.As usual for Hartley, this is quirky, charming, and full of fantastic dialogue. I just loved this.
J**L
Not in "Hal's Greatest"
Nice try Hal. Do not waste D.J.'s talent on such "experiment". And give up on these "short-stories". You are much better writing a feature length story. And we, your fans and obsessed followers, know you can do it. Out of ideas? Don't be shy, ask. Meanwhile, pun intended, do not make us wait 3-5 yrs to enjoys your creativity.About "Meanwhile" : It was good to see a character go through all this everyday adventure with its failures and successes to realize that he will live no matter what. It is always good to see another city from the ground how it lives its life, not hiding what most of us have to deal with in an ordinary sense. I am glad I have this in my collection but I will not watch it as many times as I have had watched Trust, Simple Men, The Unbelievable Truth, No Such Thing, Fay Grimm and The Book of Life! Thanx Hal."
S**E
One Hour film about artist struggling to live in NYC
This film has the typical Hal Hartley feel but is only an hour long and does not have much staying power after you have seen it. In the extra material Hal talks about how he has been trying to make a film about everyday events, i.e. no extreme drama. This film does not quite qualify because there is a possible suicide subplot. Hopefully that is not a daily occurence in most people's lives. Also at least five of the characters are one way or another in the film business so maybe Hal's version of everyday life is a lot different from the average person's.The opening shots also seem to have a lot of gratuitous nudity. Why is this young woman who looks like a fashion model walking around her apartment half nude with a plumber fixing her sink? The film never explains it. Only recomended for Hal Hartley collectors.
B**2
Solid late-period Hal Hartley.
This is the first Hal Hartley movie i've seen where the story overtly contains reference to himself as an off-screen character so it seems at times as if he is veering towards the super-weird like some of those french dudes (Goddard, cocteau) who did similar things in their later careers. This movie definitely has a soul though, is refreshingly brisk and ultimately a positive tale. It deserves mentioning that the millenial New York cinematography is some of the finest in recent years.
C**N
Predictable
Predictable, but still enjoyable to watch. Main character, I think we can all relate to, a good heart, who keeps putting one foot in front of the other, no matter what the outcome of his actions.
R**E
Four Stars
Great movie but a little too short.
N**E
Five Stars
Another terrific and quirky movie.
S**H
Five Stars
Classic Hartley.
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