Welcome to ‘Underrated’ some analysis of the films ignored by the critics, that deserve more recognition. Often our opinions are half made up before we even begin watching a film, thanks to the overwhelming amount of critical opinion now available on cinema. Therefore, I hope to shed some much-needed light on the films neglected by widespread audiences.
Ever get the feeling that you are watching a cult classic
ahead of the curve? Well, this is the feeling I had when I stumbled across Under
the Silver Lake. For a reason I still have not fully understood, Under
the Silver Lake just spoke to me. The first week it came out in the UK I watched
it 3 times in 5 days, holistically it provided me with an experience I had
never felt with any film before and I still could not explain what exactly it
was that I had felt. Starring Andrew Garfield as Sam the voyeuristic, sex
addicted, conspiracy theorist, the film takes an ambiguous approach to Hollywood,
the objectification of women and the prospect of an underground society
underneath the Vinewood hills. Under the Silver Lake uses Sam as the
anti-hero searching for answers to the whereabouts of his missing love interest
– Sarah. On this journey, Sam uncovers a wide range of subplots that leave him
questioning what is real and what is a fabrication as he breaks away at the
truth.
Under the Silver Lake is notable for being the only
film that A24 did not know how to advertise and this is very appropriate for
the overall message of the film as you cannot really put your finger on what
it's truly about. You can theorise and suggest what you think it is about, but it
is designed to be ambiguous by nature. Director David Robert Mitchell establishes
real a Hitchcockian charm due to its perfect score (Disasterpiece), precise
framing and vibrant colour palette. It really illuminates the exterior beauty
and internal shame of the Hollywood scene. More specifically how young attractive
women have been used, abused, and discarded in Hollywood since the beginning of
its creation to the current day.
Under the Silver Lake delves into the media, music, and reputation, suggesting we should take more notice to the deeper meaning. This largely refers to the original song ‘Turning Teeth’ by the fictional band Jesus and the Brides of Dracula. Sam spends large portions of the film breaking down the words to ‘Turning Teeth’ as he is convinced the lyrics can take him closer to the underground society, explaining the disappearance of his friend Sarah. The idea of song lyrics having ulterior motives is very real, but David Robert Mitchell uses ‘The Songwriter’ as the anonymous puppet master who orchestrates it all on an institutional level. Under the Silver Lake presents the concept that there is no individuality or unique artists, just one man in his lonely mansion churning out hit after hit, and we lap it all up.
The main reason why Under the Silver Lake has such a
divided opinion is essentially due to it being considered ‘too ambitious’ but should
that really be condemned? Every year we are introduced to the same old safe and
steady movies that are easy to advertise and easy to sell at the box office,
this film offers something so much more unique. It may be a little adverse, non-linear,
and messy at times, but it has the true essence of cinema all the same, it allows
us to take a step back and analyse the society that we live in. The overlapping
subplots offer a perfect metaphor for the madness of conspiracy theories, some
are plausible, and some are downright absurd but surely that is why our fascination
with them is so prevalent.
Under the Silver Lake is ambitious but it is so overwhelmingly intentional. The score, cinematography and remarkable acting allows you to lose yourself in its ridiculousness. Under the Silver Lake is a Cult Classic waiting to happen, so why not join me and get ahead of the curve.
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