Richard Kelly: Genius or one-hit wonder?

[Groke]

I’m going to stick my neck out and say that most people liked Donnie Darko (with the exception of my Mum who said, “Why would anyone want to make a film like that?” upon watching it). But, since then, the general consensus is that Richard Kelly hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations.

I’ve just watched The Box (against critics’ advice!) and loved it (just like I loved Southland Tales). Personally, I think he’s going from strength to strength – kind of like a more sci-fi orientated David Lynch. However, I seem to have yet to find someone who actually shares my opinion! Is there anyone out there who agrees, or do I just generally have bad taste in films?

[Kiba.]

Whilst I appreciate you bravely putting your opinion out there and generating new threads and discussion (always needed) I have to take some exception to Kelly being compared to Lynch. Lynch's output may be patchy at times and obviously not for all tastes but he has such a strong and original vision, I believe he's out on his own. His films are bizarre, The Straight Story excepting, but until INLAND EMPIRE he had never made a film that wasn't at least worth a look and visually striking. I have to admit I didn't 'get' Inland Empire but based on the quality of his past work, I'd give his next film a go.

I have not seen The Box but until Richard Kelly proves he can make another interesting and thought-provoking film like DD which has perhaps become overrated by young film fans, I'll go with the one-hit wonder tag, for now.

[morris]

Originally Posted by Kiba.

I have to take some exception to Kelly being compared to Lynch.

I'd agree, it takes more than a puzzling narrative and being "a bit weird" to make a film Lynchian. Donnie Darko when I first saw it I could not get what the huge fuss was about. I've since come to an acceptance of the film, but still think its overblown popularity defies reason more than the movie itself.

I heard Southland Tales was a mess so avoided it. The Box I'll watch when it's on TV.

[morris]

Originally Posted by Groke

( my Mum said, “Why would anyone want to make a film like that?” upon watching it).

£££

..

Not a genius, just a guy lucky enough to hit the right cultural note at the right time.

[Groke]

I knew I was the only person to get as stupidly excited as I did over Richard Kelly's later work.

If anyone has seen the Nicolas Cage film, 'Knowing' I thought The Box was quite like that. I also heard while both films were in production that Richard Kelly was in the running to direct Knowing, before leaving to do The Box.

[thedude]

Defo one hit kinda guy..you only have to watch the dire Southland Tales to know that. Every film maker has blips, but you can see from that film that he ws just lucky with DD. If anything I thing budget constraints amoung other things helped him get the film he got in the end...look what happened when he had the money to go back and put in the music he wanted and the chance to re-edit the film.

DD is overrated, although it is a personal fave of mine.

[Zippykins1]

Originally Posted by Groke

If anyone has seen the Nicolas Cage film, 'Knowing' I thought The Box was quite like that. I also heard while both films were in production that Richard Kelly was in the running to direct Knowing, before leaving to do The Box.

I've seen them both, and they're both dreadful.