Spread - my first Ashton Kutcher movie
{FILM DIARY}
Spread (2009, USA)
Seen: Wednesday, 9th December 2009
Runtime: 97′
Director: David Mackenzie
Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Anne Heche, Margarita Levieva
Production House: Barbarian Films, Katalyst Films, Oceana Media Finance
Plot: Nikki sleeps with older, rich women for a living. For the most part, this life works out very well for him. But one day things go down hill…
Scene From The Film
Impressions In Short
It’s one of those weirdo films that are very hard to categorize…
More About the Film
I always wanted to see Ashton Kutcher in something cause I thought I’d like him (I was right *grin*), but the publicity for the films he chooses tends to scare me off. The publicity for this one almost did as well - it’s marketed as some sort of sex/romantic comedy, which is not quite what the film is. I mean if you need a label then I suppose “romantic comedy” is the closest one, but if you go in expecting a feel good kind of romance you’re probably going to be disappointed.
It’s a simple story. Basically, that kind of lifestyle cannot last. It only works as long as you’re young. After that you have two choices - either you marry the person that is supporting you financially or you find a normal job. Nikki is at the stage where he will need to think about his future and when he meets a girl he really cares for, he is forced to make some life decisions.
I felt the film was interesting, but not great. I really enjoyed Ashton Kutcher though. Physically this movie really shows him in good light, the way they dress (and undress ;)) him is very effective. Acting-wise he was the right man for the job, though I much preferred him in the second half of the film where he goes through his whole breakdown and uncertainty. I think he’s better with that than with the cocky parts. Will definitely want to see more of him - perhaps the publicity for his future movies won’t scare me off quite so easily ;)
Recommended?
Er… I think few people will enjoy this, but such people do exist ;) If the topic matter seems interesting then it might be worth trying.
Keep in mind that it has a very strange balance between commercial and art house. If you want something serious you’re not going to be happy and if you want something laid back you probably won’t be happy either… It’s kind of in between.
