Customer Reviews

Swimming to Cambodia

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Swimming to Cambodia was my introduction to the late, great Spalding Gray and it was a great one. I had previously had the misguided idea that monolouges were dull and not the proper subject matter for film. Happily, Mr.Gray proved me wrong with this one performance that is both thoughtful and hilarious. His vivid storytelling and animated delivery create lasting images in the mind of the viewer, so don't let the fact that this movie takes place entirely behind a desk hinder your enjoyment of the story. It's a classic.

Ok, so I couldn't just let this go by without doing something. One opinion does not a ratings system make, so allow a tempered voice of reason to enter the field and bring that "1 star" rating up a notch or two for a very deserving film. Having first seen "The Killing Fields" many times, I was fascinated to come across this little gem. While yes, it is true that Gray sits behind a desk most of the time and talks, that is what makes this film so special. Yes, it's a one-person show, but what's wrong with that if what the person has to say is engaging, stimulating and thought-provoking? I welcome the opportunity to spend time once in awhile listening to someone spin a yarn about their adventures, misadventures and epiphanies. I recommend you first watch "The Killing Fields", an excellent movie based on a true story, and then wait a day or two before sinking into the sofa with a big tub o'microwave popcorn and this dvd.

Yes, it is a documentary and, yes, it is a monologue. Yes, he discusses the sex trade in Cambodia which is extemely explicit. But this is about Cambodia. This is about the Killing Fields. This is about our involvement in that history. There is nothing gratuitous. Gray is captivating as he sits on a darkened stage with his words and topics accented with strategic lighting, maps, sounds and video clips. You will leave this film with a new understanding of what happened from Cambodia to Kent State. He also has a unique insight into mankind. In this, his "Talking Cure", you will be compelled to try to answer the question that he wrestles with - 'Is morality a moving feast?'. This is an important film.

This film blew me away. This guy sits behind a small desk on-stage in a small auditorium with a couple of maps of Southeast Asia behind him and talks for two hours. Spalding Gray's descriptions of Phuket, Thailand beat any travelogue hands-down. His oral history of Cambodia is as fascinating as it is succinct. His word-pictures and imagery of his experiences in Southeast Asia, on the train from Philadelphia to Chicago, and in his girlfriend's downtown New York neighborhood display his mastery of the art of storytelling. You don't just hear it, you experience it! This film is worth playing again and again and again.

This movie is simply amazing. Spalding Gray sits behind a small wooden desk with a glass of water and talks. Sounds simple right? Well you just have to experience his twisted perception of reality to understand. After this, you'll want to seek out every monologue he's done, as I have.

I was glued to the TV the entire time this was on--I couldn't even tear myself away to get a drink or go to the bathroom. Spalding is quite the story teller, and even the rather mundane underlying story (basically, "I had this small role in a movie"), really comes to life with all his voices and expressions and history lessons and tangents... I've never heard anyone before or since tell stories in such a way. After all, this is just a guy sitting in front of an audience talking. Who would think it would be so memorable?

Swimning to Cambodia is unquestionably one of the most important films of our time. It will shake you out of the duldrums of hyped up action / dude films and the inanity of chic flicks, and actually make you open your brain (no spoon feeding here). If you choose to close down after the film is over, that is your choice, but if you pay attention to the film and let it take you where it inevitably will, you will be forever changed. This is not a film that will require thought to watch; it is a film that will you require you to think when it has finished. Spalding Gray's insight into the human prospect and what "the killing fields" (read Vietnam) did to the world is compelling, and maybe for some, hits too close to home. Don't expect Saplding Gray to pull his punches here...don't expect the humor inherent in Monster In A Box; it is not there. Swimning To Cambodia is raw, intelligent and not for even one second does it hold back. It will probably never get the recognition it deserves, but make no mistake about it this is one of the most important films of all time, and missing it becasue there are a few swear words, or the content bothers you, is simply weakness and an inability to face the ugliness of the American Dream, and the consequences, and responsibilities that come along with it.

The other reviewers said pretty much all I would want to say.. (Its Great) But, this film also has a sountrack (sort of) by none other than Laurie Anderson. Even if I wasnt a Gray fan I'd get it just for the weird noises and sometimes "nice" sounds.

First of all this is a monologue and I usually hate monologues. The first time I watched this was starting at midnight and I was quite tired. I was expecting to fall asleep to it but found myself wide awake and engrossed. I was absolutely mesmerized by this performance. Spalding Gray just captivates you from the very beginning and holds your attention all the way through. He mixes it with bits of wry comedy and anecdotes, and mixes in a bit of history and politics for good measure. He actually brings you to the places he is talking about, its like you can see Thailand and experience the production of the Killing Fields.

Mr. Gray talks not as someone talking from note cars or a pre planned speech but from someone telling you about a great adventure. He has a natural and easy going style that makes you very comfortable. His energy and passion is contagious. The may is a born storyteller and narrator.

It is one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen and I am usually an action movie kind of guy. I had never even heard of Spalding Gray before this nor had I seen the Killing Fields. But after watching I rented the killing fields and researched Mr. Gray.

There is great lighting and film style to go along with it. Even though he's just sitting at a desk they add an exciting mood to it.

Its ashamed that Spalding Gray is no longer with us as I found the man intensely interesting. I would highly recommend the VHS/DVD to anyone. I don't know how well it would be in a book as much of the attraction is Spalding himself. The man was simply amazing in this.

Even the spit coming out of his mouth at one point in this film makes this all the more engaging.

It's one of my favorite movies- he was a true original- and so is this film.