Review: Synecdoche, New York

Synecdoche, New York
Written & Directed By Charlie Kaufman
December 4, 2008

So was Charlie Kaufman's directional debut everything it was hyped up to be? Damn right. But does Synecdoche match up with some of his previous cinematical masterpieces such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Adaptation? Not quite but that's because it surpasses them, I personally think this is Kaufman's BEST work since Being John Malkovich. I know some people would totally disagree but Synecdoche is an emotionally powerful piece of work, one that leaves you thinking about it day's after you've seen it, much like Being John Malkovich or even Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind but Kaufman's movies have a knack for doing that.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays Caden Cotard, a playwrite from Skinectity, New York who is very lonely and sick which ultimately causes his best creative work. Catherine Keener who we have seen in previous Kaufman films (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation). Plays Adele Lack, Caden's wife. However, they have many problems going on in their marriage, which ultimately leads up to a separation between the two and causes severe emotional problems for Caden. After, he receives a "MacArthur" genius grant and set's out to move on from his regular stageplay, to a massive theater piece that tells stories about every single aspect of life.

A very complicated task you can assume but Caden is determined to make it work. Many scenes of event's that happen in Caden's life are played out by doubles hired to follow certain member's of the play, that have anything to do with Caden. From his shaky relationship with one of the true loves of his life Hazel (Samantha Morton), to his second wife Claire (Michelle Williams) who he soon see's leave him for the same reason's his first wife did. As Caden begins to age older and older he learns more and more about how to end his play, while going through the cycle of death between close one's.

Synecdoche, New York is a lot to grasp upon first viewing, but is one of the most emotionally powerful films that I have seen in a very long time. As much as it is emotionally compelling it is extremely creative and incredibly hysterical. Followed by an astounding musical score by Jon Brion. Synecdoche takes you through the motions and left me walking out of the theater speechless. Another huge milestone for Charlie Kaufman and without question my favorite independent film of 2008. This movie may not be "better" than past Kaufman project's but it is right up there with them.


Rating: 9/10