I've seen it twice. I had to see it twice. Just to be sure that what I saw was what i saw. The script is messy. And the film will incite a riot in just about any American suburb. After that, there's nothing but praise.
In terms of the cast, all do a wonderful job with some very difficult dialogue and awkward transitions. But, like the messiness of the script, it's easily overlooked. BRIAN DONOVAN brings a palpable, brooding reality to the main character in this ensemble piece. SARA RINDE deftly creates the character of May, who actually has the most well- developed arc in the script. Rinde brings haunting vulnerability as well as a wicked and hormone-inducing temptress qualities to the role. JAQUELINE MEYER does a fine job with the hollow, narcissistic Connie. But, the real find of this movie is ROBERT RIPLEY, who plays the devilish and delicious Bruce Wallace. But this actor is our generation's answer to Marcello Mastroianni, Tyrone Power and Cary Grant all rolled into one. There's an ease and enchantment to what happens in his scenes, something that's a rare commodity in films. HINT: Any director and/or producer out there who has a point of view that falls left of center (Cameron Crowe, Wes Anderson, Coen Brothers, et al!) get a script for this guy. Ripley's got THAT QUALITY and he's very, very good - a hell of a lot of fun to watch AND easy to fantasize about.
This film is a trial run for first time director JOAO MACHADO. And from the looks of things, we should keep an eye out for him in the future. He's definitely not your average 24-year old director - think Fellini, Polanski - Machado's got THAT kind of potential. His point of view in unique, the composition of his shots, sumptuous and rich. The overall look of this film is stunning - the food sequences in particular are nothing short of bacchanalean. Big kudos to Cinematographer JONAH TORREANO who also shows himself as someone worthy of keeping your eye on. He certainly understands what Machodo wants and delivers with a subtle and imaginative eye.
In the end, the story of The Champage Club is less than satisfying. But the strange, surreal and surprising journey will more than make up for it. Let's all look forward to Machado's next adventure.