Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Angst and Connection, June 17, 2002
After directing Clockwatchers, one of the most intelligent and interesting films of the past decade, Jill Sprecher has come out with another gem. 13 Conversations is a fascinating look at the intersecting lives of a group of mostly unhappy New Yorkers. The film has similarities to Short Cuts and Magnolia, suggesting that the lives and destinies of seemingly unconnected people may be linked in some fundamental, perhaps even metaphysical way. It also has the nonlinear structure of films like Pulp Fiction. To its credit, 13 Conversations holds its own with all three of these films and is quite original in its approach. The performances are all very strong, especially Alan Arkin as a cynical manager in an insurance agency and Clea Duvall as a house cleaner with a cheerful outlook until catastrophe strikes. Matthew Mcconaughey and John Turturro are also perfectly cast. The plot (or plots) of 13 Conversations is compelling, but is secondary to the questions it raises about finding meaning and happiness in an often harsh and chaotic world. The tone of the film is often brooding, yet the message is ultimately hopeful. As in Clockwatchers, Jill Sprecher has something very significant to say about life in these times.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An irreversible change, November 17, 2003
In spite of its seemingly depressing nature I tremendously enjoyed this movie. I believe it is the issues discussed that were able to touch deep and the quiet, restrained way in which they were portrayed. Another reason would be the beautiful ending that does not say much but leaves you with some hope for human kind...
"Thirteen conversations about one thing" lead to very coherent statements about the human condition. Each viewer, so I believe, will interpret what he saw in a slightly different manner. For me however the message was: reach out for other human beings - they are as lonely as you are; kindness, optimism and "looking at the bright side of things" have a power in spite of all and a kind word or gesture have an affect on other people - cynical as they may be; and most important: happiness is sometimes a vague term and is always better perceived at a later stage....
The movie starts with a scene whose significance will be understood at a much later stage. John Turturro, playing a physics college professor is having dinner with his wife (Amy Irving) and discusses an act of violence that he suffered, trying to analyze the horror of it all and find significance and meaning in what occured. The act itself and its impact on the professor are not clear to the viewers at this stage but will become clear later on. This is the first hint to what will be one of the movie's major themes - one event is able to shake a person down and cause a change. An irreversible change.
The movie brings us five human episodes that are entangled to one strong story. Matthew McConaughey is a young, confident attorney whose life changes on account of a car accident he causes; Clea Duval an optimistic kind young woman working as a cleaning lady who looses her faith in human kind on account of same accident. John Turturro is a college professor in search of happiness - in search of the "something" more that life has to offer. In pursuit of such happiness he leaves his wife, who is left to deal with same questions and issues, especially with the loneliness of one person in the big city. However, the most impressive acting belongs to Alan Arkin who portrays a lonely, cynical manager who has a very optimistic, good-natured employee. The employee's ability to see good in every thing hits an exposed nerve which the manager can no longer tolerate. Alan Arkin manages to deliver a round figured person including his many sides and faces, thoughts and regrets, thus forming a very realistic humane figure. Arkin is a bitter father, a manager, an ex-husband and above all a person who down beneath is kind and good, after all the masks are stripped down. Clea Duval is another great asset to this movie, able to touch us with her tender quiet portrayal of a girl who undergoes an inner turmoil.
The film is rich with metaphors and symbols that are not always evident on first viewing. One example would be the professor, Turturro writing the word "Irreversible" on the class blackboard while discussing the notion of anthrophy and giving us a hint to life realities as will become evident to him later on. Once you made your choice, consequences are irreversible, as Turturro will soon understand. Another example would be Clea Duval' s doll who always had one closed eye and suddenly appears with her two eyes open after her owner's inner change, as if to symbolize the new look on life she has. These are just two examples of what makes this movie rich and holding several layers of understanding.
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Show me a happy man..." (4.5 stars), February 12, 2003
If you were asked what the words "happiness" or "fate" meant to you, chances are your answer would be very different from everybody else. Not all the answers to simple or complex questions are the same, as this movie illustrates in a very creative and effective manner. "13 Conversations About One Thing" is a film that examines the daily life of human beings, and just how something so subtle or small can cause a chain reaction of events.The movie revolves around five New Yorkers who end up getting involved with one another's life in some way. There's the public defender who in a chain of events ends up walking the path of a criminal by covering his tracks. And then there is the bitter business man who can't stand the fact that one of his workers is always happy no matter what. There's the confused college professor who fears of not living life to the fullest after being mugged. There's the happy and enthusiastic cleaning woman who believes miracles happens everyday, but has her worldview drastically changed when she is hospitalized after being hit by a car. And finally, there's the woman who has to deal with the fact that her husband is cheating on her after having his stolen wallet returned. All of this is a setup for a sad, and yet moving film about the everyday events that we overlook from time to time. And how we never really notice even the smallest chain reactions that occur everywhere. This was a great movie to watch and kept my attention throughout. I do admit that I was confused the first time, being that the movie really isn't told in chronological order, but more set up as little separate stories. After seeing it a second time it really did help me understand more of what was transpiring. It always makes me happy to see a film like this that actually makes you think and want to re-evaluate the things you see in life. The cast was sensational. Alan Arkin was really a joy to watch and I'm sad that he didn't get more recognition. As he is always good in what he does, this is one of his best roles in recent memory. Matthew McChonaughey is also terrific and deserves mention. John Turturro never fails to impress me and I believe he was perfect for his role. Clea Duvall really makes you sympathize with what has happened to her and you really do hope that her worldview can go back to the way it was. And last, but not least, Amy Irving really delivers an exceptional performance. The writing and directing is also very impressive as well. The DVD has a few things to offer; not a lot, but enough to keep me content. There's a couple of trailers (including the one for the movie itself), and commentary (which I have yet to hear but am anxious to listen to). The picture and sound quality is really good and does the movie justice. "13 Conversations About One Thing" is a highly interesting movie that can actually speak to you if you allow it to. Although it may be confusing at times, it still does more than just simply getting the job done. It makes us think, it makes us wonder, and it makes us pause in silence. Of course, this is one not everyone is going to like, but I think the movies that don't appeal to everybody are the ones worth examining. You'll never know where and when you'll find a gem. This was a very deep and emotionally charged film, and I am glad I gave it a chance. It was not time wasted, I can tell you that much.
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