Wavelength

Synopsis:

This movie is a self-proclaimed “experimental” film. I think the only experiment Michael Snow attempted was to see how long a film major could waste watching a “movie” that was equivalent to watching paint dry.

First Impressions:

I first heard about this movie in a James Rolfe video where he talked about watching it in film school. Based on his description, I knew this was going to be some artsy crap—and we had to see it.

Plot Breakdown:

There is no plot. There are only two or three actors; they have no lines, and their on-screen actions are minimal. The only thing truly notable is the camera slowly zooming throughout the film, why? I don’t know.

Characters & Performances:

The only character who stood out was the man who died (or didn’t, and simply lay down) about halfway through the film.

Writing & Dialogue:

There is no dialogue.

Direction & Pacing:

As I said before, this movie is more boring than watching paint dry. The pacing is non-existent because nothing happens.

Cinematography & Visuals:

The camera footage looks like it was pulled straight from Chernobyl; it’s filled with artifacts and static. If this was intentional, the reason why eludes me.

Sound & Music:

If you like the ringing of tinnitus, this movie is definitely up your alley. For the rest of us, the high-pitched ringing present throughout the film is nauseating at best.

Best/Worst Moments:

Best Scene: When it ends

Worst Scene: When it ends

Most Unintentionally Funny Line: N/A

Final Verdict:

Overall, if you hate yourself, this is a must-watch film. I’ve seen it three times in its entirety, and each time I ask myself why I’m watching this dog-shit movie and whether stabbing myself in the eyes and ears might be less painful. The budget was probably three dollars, and it shows. Absolutely nothing happens, and the camera never physically moves—relying solely on zoom to create the illusion that something might occur. This earns it a –10 on the Ass-O-Meter.