Kelly Reichardts exquisite, character-based indie films are often described as low key or deliberately-paced.
They tend to take their time.
But Id argue that slow can be good.
Credit: Jojo Whilden
Slow is a sorely needed counterbalance to our current diet of multiplex shock and awe.
It allows us to marinate in a story and absorb its characters into our pores.
But her latest,Certain Women, pushes patience to the breaking point.
Its detailed, delicate, and frankly, kind of an aimless drag.
It isnt until the last third that the film finally comes to heartbreaking life.
All three stories have an unhurried naturalism.
The power is in the details, the hushed minutia.
But the first two feel so slight and lightweight theyd probably blow away if a breeze came along.
Theyre strong on subtext, but light on text.
Unfortunately, by then, its too little too late.C+
