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Chuck & Buck
Movie: 8/10
This film is a squirmer, a psychological profile of a man so completely lacking in social skills that he generates an endless supply of discomfort for the audience. The two leads, Chuck (Chris Weitz) and Buck (Mike White), are like two sides of the same coin. Childhood friends, life pulled them in different directions. As the movie opens, Chuck's mother dies, breaking him free of his childhood about ten years too late. He invites his old friend to the funeral where the reunion is more than a little strained. Chuck has grown up to be a successful music executive with a huge home and a gorgeous fiance. Buck still lives in his room.
Chuck returns home to LA hoping to leave the whole experience behind him. No such luck. Buck is a stalker just waiting to happen and without a reason to stay home, he happily and effectively drops into this new career. He tails Chuck, drops in on him at work, peers through his windows at home and pops up at unexpected times. He wants to pick up his friendship right where it left off but Chuck has moved past those odd exploring moments of a prepubescent boy's life and wants no part of it.
What makes this film work is that the characters are drawn really well, almost too well. Buck is creepy beyond belief and the viewer squirms through the movie, afraid of what he might do next. Eventually all is laid out in the open and we start to understand why he's so creepy but it doesn't make us feel any better. He seems incapable of growing up or understanding adult relationships. Mike White, who also wrote the script, has the character down note perfect. He is utterly convincing and drives the story and worse yet the disturbing aspects of the film.
This isn't for everyone. It's an unsettling film that will leave a lot of people disgusted or depressed. But it's hard to deny the sharp writing, acting and direction that force emotions out of the audience.
Video: 6/10
The transfer to DVD is fine but this isn't one of the prettiest films you'll see. Shot on video and then transfered to film before transferring back to DVD, the look can occasionally distract.
Audio: 6/10
Dolby 2.0 surround. Everything is clear enough but the sound doesn't stand out.
Extras: 7/10
There are some deleted scenes with available commentary from the director, the trailer, a piece explaining childhood games, a commentary track with the director and White and a commentary track by the director's assitant and the key grip.
Overall: 7/10
Indie films don't get much better than this. If you can sit through the film without getting to creeped out then you should really enjoy the extras. Overall a very nice package.
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