Dir. Jill Sprecher, 2001, US, 104mins
Drama
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, John Turturro, Alan Arkin, Amy Irving
Review by Roopesh Parekh
13 Conversations About One Thing is a moving, endearing and sophisticated film. Set to the pace of New Yorkers busy lifestyle, the film looks at contemporary, prominent issues with a touch a class. From its witty dialogue, deep-filled with morals and meanings to its superb acting, all directed at a suitable pace, 13 Conversations is a treat for cinemagoers who enjoy the odd film which isn’t simply about special effects or huge sets.
The film looks at five contemporary stories: a middle-aged man deciding to change his life; a young attorney whose career is thrown into disarray due to a single act; a women who faces her husband’s betrayal, added with a particularly funny story about an envious businessman who is infuriated by his cheerful co-worker, and a young cleaner who awaits a miracle. This mixture of stories weave into the flow of New York’s chaotic and isolated lifestyle.
The notion of 13 Conversations is a tricky concept – namely, how individuals can impact on other individuals and how the smallest of actions can result in the upheaval or contentment of another. Is fate the product of the choices we make or is fate the choice we make?
“Show me a happy man” is one of a series of title boards that add weight to the film. Each title brings about a new twist in the stories and Sprecher’s screenplay plays upon this cinematic device of narrative storytelling. In one way the film wants us to be able to relate and connect to the characters and their lives and in some ways it asks us to question our own lives.
Sprecher’s screenplay with her sister, Karen Sprecher, is witty, intelligent and food for thought. Moving on from her Clockwatchers debut, her direction is more assured. The performances are remarkable. In particular, McConaughey’s portrayal of an aspiring attorney is real and heartfelt and Arkin is utterly uncanny in his role as Gene, the envious businessman.
“Fortune smiles on some and laughs at others” – in this case fortune certainly has smiled on 13.
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