Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest adventure “Inherent Vice” can be described most easily as an Agatha Christie mystery novel on acid.
The film follows Joaquin Phoenix as Larry “Doc” Sportello on his twisted journey as a private investigator trying to find his missing ex-girlfriend. However, Doc often experiences many unnecessary challenges, labeled as a the stereotypical stoner in Los Angeles in Los Angeles.
Immense marijuana use, drug-dealing dentists and eccentric cops are just a few of the elements found in the film, but Doc seems to dabble in every demographic pool in the City of Flowers while on his seemingly impossible case.
Though he is a supported by a dynamite cast, Joaquin Phoenix shines through as one of the most likeable characters of this year. His character’s demeanor is reminiscent of The Dude from “The Big Lebowski,” but he’s highly intelligent and surprisingly sensitive.
It’s clear that Anderson has developed a liking for Phoenix’s acting style after using him in the leading role in “The Master” in 2012. This is understandable because Phoenix put forth a brilliant performance in the movie, as he often does.
While the plot is a rather intense drama most of the time, the film is riddled with back-breaking humor that keeps the audience giggling even in some of the more serious moments.
Notably, Josh Brolin has developed a incredibly funny comedic style of the overly serious-yet-quirky super detective. Phoenix delivers many of the hilarious moments of the film, but it is Brolin that produces some of the more memorable moments and lines.
This is even more impressive with established comedians Martin Short, Maya Rudolph and Owen Wilson present in the film. Though these actors did not disappoint, it was the strange relationship between Phoenix and Brolin’s characters that made for the most entertaining.
Anderson did a fantastic job creating a realistic representation of Los Angeles in the ’70s, and rhe emained consistent with his dark style, represented in his past works such as “There Will Be Blood.”
While hilarious and highly entertaining, it’s doubtful that most viewers will understand the final conclusion of the film. Not because the audience lacks intelligence, but because Anderson did not really provide the finite endings of a mystery plot that most moviegoers are used to.
Most viewers will probably leave the theatre entertained, but they may not know exactly why. All in all, Anderson accomplished what he was going for in this classically styled detective story.