SOULLESSNESS

I will see anything Harris Savides shoots.

SOMEWHERE (2010), ZODIAC (2007), ELEPHANT (2003)…these films have become aesthetic benchmarks for my own work. They are also among my favorite films of the past decade. Featuring the most fascinating American directors (Sofia Coppola, David Fincher, Gus Van Sant) at the top of their game.

Of course, Savides has also shot three of what I would consider the most visually arresting, soulless films of the past ten years:

GREENBERG (2010) disappoints, not because Noah Baumbach’s characters are loathsome narcissists (though they are), but because they aspire for nothing more than their own ill-founded indignation.

WHATEVER WORKS (2009) is Woody Allen’s least ambitious, most preachy, least funny film ever. Which is still better than most Happy Madison-produced movies.

LAST DAYS (2005) is Gus Van Sant’s Kurt Cobain-inspired bio-pic; a loving meditation on nihilistic despair. Gorgeously shot, well-acted, and with absolutely nothing at its core.