39 is a very good yet flawed movie. The cinematography is exquisite, bright amber lights and neons in display in Los Angeles. The writing by Josh Evans is quite good. it is better written than most of his other movies. It really lets characters be characters and have more individuality. Some cuss and some don''t. The music in this movie is utterly amazing. It is sometimes catchy rock beats and sometimes serene melodies. There are scenes that have only the footage paired with the music and it was absolutely a triumph. The camera work often seems to not utilize a tripod and the movie is better off for it. It makes it seem more raw and organic. Robert Wagner and Marshall Bell do great acting as the lead's family lawyer and father respectively. Lead/ director/ writer/ editor
Josh Evans also gives a good performance.
The negatives are that even though the dialogue uses natural sound to enhance the surrealist cinema verite feel of the film, in a few scenes the dialogue is hard to understand due to being recorded poorly. There are also a few small lulls in the film and sometimes there is excessive profanity in what is mostly a good viewing experience. There is also an awkward scene where Robert Wagner's character keeps asking his son why he isn't having an affair with his rockstar muse.
I really like the behind the scenes history of the fact that Josh Evans character is divorcing co star Natasha Gregson Wagner's character. Josh Evans in real life used to date her and Robert Wagner is her father and the rock star muse is played by Roxy Saint, who is Josh Evans' current real life wife. It is funny that Robert Wagner would be telling Josh Evans in the movie to divorce his own daughter's character like she was insignificant.
The movie has a not so happy ending which I truly thought was captivating. He just leaves the door open on his apartment as if inviting you into the character's biggest moment of unresolved anxiety. The music during the end credits also had power.
I recommend this movie to those who don't require professional camerawork. To those who can accept a shaky camera, this is a great, rewatchable movie that leaves you with a lot to think about despite its flaws