Movie reviews

AMERICAN HONEY

Watchable. According to Roman Gutek, what distinguishes American cinema is: the genre of western, the development of musical, science fiction and myths, not being a national cinema. This one tackles myths. 162 minutes you don't feel at all. While it re-works well-known motifs, it does so interestingly. I felt touched by the story from the scene indicating sexual abuse going on in Star's home. That was the moment I really took to her. She's very young, 18, and poor. The first city on her way is "Superman's City" (Kansas). The whole film is full of American symbols. The youngsters identify themselves with Darth Vader as the epitome of lost love and hopes. US stars and stripes are everywhere: in the girl's name, on a train passing by their road van, the company owner's swimsuit, make-up and nail polish colors. The motley crew from all over the US listen to rap and travel through the country "rhymin' & stealin'". The film also features a number of American ballads, all in some way referring to the American dream, just like what the sales team try to live. It's also about others trying to achieve it, like the abbatoir truck driver dreaming of his own yacht. But mostly it's about selling a dream - the team, often high on drugs or alcohol, try to push needless goods doing just that. The quintessence of America.