Thanks to the readers who pointed out that, indeed, Che was panned by Variety’s Todd McCarthy, who writes:
Neither half feels remotely like a stand-alone film that would satisfy audiences on its own, while the entirety offers far too many aggravations for the paltry rewards it offers. Scattered partisans are likely to step forward, but pic in its current form is a commercial impossibility except on television or DVD.
Over the years, Soderbergh has occasionally displayed a disregard for audience expectations in films such as “Full Frontal,” “Solaris” and “The Good German,” and presumably makes the “Ocean’s” films in order to earn the opportunity to undertake such projects. But “Che” is too big a roll of the dice to pass of as an experiment, as it’s got to meet both high standards both commercially and artistically. The demanding running time also forces a comparison to such rare works as “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Reds” and other bio-historical epics. Unfortunately, “Che” doesn’t feel epic–just long.
Ouch. Still, it may be a bit early to count it out entirely – for one thing, it’s two movies shown at Cannes as one, which surely must have been a big bummer, or should I say, big butt-number. Also, he isn’t finished editing it, I don’t think, which means that the long slog could shorten a bit with “fewer notes.” On the other hand, I’ve seen Soderbergh hit and miss. And when he misses, he misses BIG. I know because I sat through Solaris, which I count among the worst films I’ve ever seen. I admire his balls, let’s face it, but often his creative flails don’t pay off. We’ll be waiting.
No Response for "Variety Pans Che"
I love Solaris. There, I said it. The Good German and Ocean’s 12, on the other hand…
I don’t think that’s anything to be entirely disappointed about. I mean, it just seems like the movie is far from being completely edited so of course it’s going to feel long. I was surprised to see that Soderberg was planning on showing both films, one right after the other. I was thinking that maybe he was confident in their epicness and that it didn’t matter how long the overall running time was. However, now it is clear to see that he was rushing to get these films released in Cannes. I’m hoping that the majority of the reviews that are negative are complaining about the running time so that there’s still a chance that there could be a great movie somewhere in that four hour mess.
*closing eyes really tight and blocking my ears*
Cannot wait to see this film!!!
I don’t listen to Variety anymore. The critics there seem to REALLY like to listen to themselves. They seem to pan anything lately except the most obscure crap that no one wants to see.
The first few reviews out on Sex and the City were postive until Variety desided it was going to run a negative one.
They are DYING to be the trendsetters and seem to just go against the grain of whatever the first few reviewers said.
That said I am looking forward to Che.
Can’t wait for these… I’ve noticed very enthusiastic reactions from Damien Bichir as Castro, baity role! and seems to be a favorite already.
It seemed to me that a large part of the criticism was the reviewer having problems with the length and the discontinuity between the two films.
In addition a lot of the criticism centers around whether the film can be a commercial success. Valid? Absolutely. Relevant to whether either of the 2 movies seperately can win an oscar? Not necessarily
The thing about these films are, what if, come time for the Academy to vote, they split the “Che vote” and neither gets as many nominations as they would have if there weren’t two films…
I don’t know, just a thought.
Bah. I know its valid, but I could care less about the commercial viability of these films. I’m there! Soderbergh’s not always great, but i almost always find him interesting. I will say it loud and clear – I loved the Good German! Despite the hype/crash, i hugely enjoyed it. Not everything has to be an indisputable masterpiece.
I haven’t seen Solaris, but have always had the distinct feeling that I’ll really like it. I should give it a go.
Ocean’s 12…. well, it had its moments. But I wouldn’t sit through it again (& didn’t realy sit through all of it the first time… i had a lovely nap…)
& Benicio’s the man, so even if this is a turgid mess, I’ll be there to support Ms Silverstone’s ex-baggage… (please no more of that!)
SOLARIS is one of the worst films you’ve ever seen? Wow. I thought parts of it were amazingly beautiful and that Clooney was amazing in it. Haha, how many films have you seen?
Variety is not alone in not liking Che. Which means Roger Ebert is going to really really like it.
I liked Anne Thompson’s rxn., she nicely sums up all the problems facing the movie and she too feels it can be fixed. It is an interesting situation to be in, ie, first getting the critical reaction and then fixing things about the movie.
From reading all the reviews, it seems Soderbergh really indulged himself and I doubt he’ll make the type of changes that will satisfy the critics.
Still, Variety really are a special breed.
I’m a big Solaris fan too. Clooney has never been better, imo. But I do find Soderbergh’s body of work uneven, sometimes amazing (Sex, Lies, and Videotape), sometimes so so (Traffic), and sometimes awful (Ocean’s 12).
I know a lot of people liked Solaris – I’m just not one of them. How many movies have I seen? Too many probably. I’ve always admired Soderbergh for pushing the envelope and going for obscure art with his films it’s just that I’ve never really taken much to those kinds of movies. I think he is more John Ford than David Lynch if he would only let himself be. He really is someone who wants to make great art. This is why I think Che is going to be interesting. Also, Che is interesting subject to me. I’ve been looking forward to this movie for around five or so years, ever since I heard he was planning on doing it. I’m not down on him at all – I just really disliked Solaris. Yes, Clooney was good in it – agreed.
“I think he is more John Ford than David Lynch if he would only let himself be. He really is someone who wants to make great art.”
Perfectly captures my experience of much of his more serious work.
I don’t hate Solaris, but I do dislike it. Part of that is because I hold the original in such incredibly high regard, and the remake feels quite disconnected from it. I also don’t care for Clooney in it as much as most do. He just seems to continually pout. Also, Jeremy Davies has never been as annoying.
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