If you loved American Beauty and Magnolia then you’ll probably hate this film. If you love films *like* American Beauty and Magnolia, you’ll most likely adore this film.
In the style of American Beauty, but employing the ‘strangeness’ of indie shock, Happiness, The Safety of Objects is worth a look if independent, off-beat family dramas is what appeals to you. Far from a technically perfect film, the script clearly spoke to the talented and well-credited cast. From the opening titles, the film’s writer/director, Rose Troche’s return to filmmaking (after a 7-year hiatus) felt quite promising. Unfortunately, a seven year break after a writing and directing (successful, but) small indie film, Go Fish, does not necessarily a brilliant director make.
Glenn Close as usual provides a tremendous emotional anchor for the narrative but The Safety of Objects sits awkwardly between the literal and metaphorical. It feels as though the NEXT film would perfectly synthesize the good from Go Fish and Objects, so we might enjoy an unconventional film (just as American Beauty, Magnolia and Happiness were) without mentally editing out the bits that didn’t work.
The premise/concept is interesting, the revelation of the ‘secret’ is eventually done fairly well, but the relationships can often be confusing and lacking in any real stakes.
A three-star film that points towards greater possible results from the director down the track….
by Paul Barry
