Golden Exits: More of the same for Alex Ross Perry
By Matt Conway
Golden Exits is Alex Ross Perry’s latest exercise in middle-age malaise, as it features the similar pro’s and con’s to his previous features.
Alex Ross Perry is one of the most interesting auteurs in the industry. With films like Listen Up Phillip and Queen of Earth, he’s shown an ability to create acidic slice of life stories with an almost uncomfortable level of intimacy. His films certainly aren’t for everyone, but its hard to deny his impressive level of craftsmanship.
His latest film, Golden Exits, is perhaps his most ambitious film yet. It follows an intersection between two disgruntled couples, who are affected when a young woman moves into town. There is a lot to admire and respect about Golden Exits, but it does feature the same problems I have had with some of his previous films.
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No one can deny Perry’s ability to draw great performances from his talented cast. Every performance from the ensemble is great, as Emily Browning, Adam Horovitz, and Lily Rabe are standouts in particular. The naturalistic performances combined with Perry’s raw and intimate filmmaking make for some impressive sequences.
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Many complain about the writing of Perry’s films, with critics citing the unrealistic way people communicate. I think that critism is largely unfair, as writers like Aaron Sorkin have made a great career out of stylized dialogue. Golden Exits is able to unveil some uncomfortable truths about relationships and aging, and I appreciate that the film doesn’t ever hide from these truths. I always enjoy Perry’s self-aware writing style, as the film has several clever moments commenting on his own style.
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At the same token, this is a film that is easier to admire than actually enjoy. While this is the most ambitious of Perry’s work, I think that works to his detriment, as the half-baked portraits of these characters could have been better realized with more focus. For me at least, Perry has yet to have a film put it all together from a dramatic standpoint, always leaving me slightly unsatisfied despite great moments.
Golden Exits is sure to be divisive, but I think the film works more than it doesn’t. While I have gripes with Alex Ross Perry’s films, his interesting perspective is one that should be appreciated by film fans.