A service to parents and grandparents
MAR20001
Magnolia (1999), (R)
CAP Score: 22
CAP Influence Density: 4.17
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A service to parents and grandparents MAR20001 Magnolia (1999), (R) CAP Score: 22 CAP Influence Density: 4.17 |
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 Christian Banner eXchange ALERT: To fully understand this report you should first visit the topics suggested by the CAP Table of Contents. SUMMARY / COMMENTARY: *MAGNOLIA* (R) -- very definitely an R. A great many "false prophet" theatrical devices appeared giving the image of acceptability of aberrant behavior and even fatal behavior "justified" by a message of reconciliation and compassion. And, in this 181-minute movie, there were 171 occurrences of the most foul of the foul words, 63 occurrences of the three/four letter word vocabulary, and 22 uses of God's name in vain with the foul letter expletive -- which put *South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut* "to shame." In an attempt to connect nine lives, the screenplay writer, Paul Anderson uses many human interest tricks embedded in a landfill of vulgarity and obscenity with many pivotal points to connect nine lives. At the beginning Elderly Earl Partridge (Jason Robards), dying of cancer, connects four of the characters. Partridge wishes to see his son whom he hasn't seen since who knows how long. Partridge's nurse, Phil (Phillip Seymour) patronizes Partridge and locates Partridge's son, sexual conquest teacher Frank T. J. Mackey (Tom Cruise). Mackey conducts extremely vulgar self-help sessions to teach men how to conquer women sexually. Mackey also curses his father with extremely hateful and profane monologue while his father lies dying in bed. Phil and Partidge's vulgar and wired wife, Linda (Julianne Moore) who hates her past abuse of and infidelity with Partridge orchestrate a behavior made popular by Kevorkian. Game show host Jimmy Gator (Philip Baker Hall), also dying of cancer is used to connect a whiz kid of the sixties, Donnie Smith (William H. Macy) who is struggling to make it day to day with a contemporary whiz kid, Stanley (Jeremy Blackman). As a pathetic example of a fathering, Stanley's father uses vulgar threats to make him perform in a game show and proceeds to do no more than cause the boy to urinate in his pants on nationwide TV. And two of the three adolescents in the game show are nearly as foul-mouthed as the adults. In a minute-to-minute comparison, I'd bet the few monutes of airtime of the two kids was as filled with cussing as a few minutes of airtime as any one of the adults. Partridge's daughter, Claudia (Melora Walters) is brought into the fold by a very fine example of a city cop, Jim Kurring (John C. Reilly). Kurring develops a tender relationship with Claudia even though she is continuously strung out on drugs. Consumption of illegal drugs is portrayed -- often. Reilly, as near as I can tell, was the only story character who did not spew filth in every other breath. In fact, I cannot say he cussed at all. In fact, Reilly brought Jesus into the script in righteous servitude to His love. And, yes, there was nudity and intecourse. The whole of the story is much more complex than this and is, in its own way, a masterpiece of theatrical art. However, the "art" status of this film was totally smothered by the vulgarities, profanities, and other portrayals of sinful behavior with no more concern that getting a popcorn shell stuck in your gums. So many of our visitors seem to be relying only on this Summary/Commentary for a full assessment of this movie. This is not possible. For the best representation of the CAP Entertainment Media Analysis Model applied to this movie, visit the Findings/Scoring section below. FINDINGS / SCORING: 
NOTE: Multiple occurrences of each item described below may be likely. Wanton Violence/Crime (W): Impudence/Hate (I)(1): Sex/Homosexuality (S): Drugs/Alcohol (D): Offense to God (O)(2): Murder/Suicide (M)(3): |
