Movie spotlight
Under the Influence
When Casey Neistat first sat down to interview YouTube sensation, David Dobrik, neither of them knew they were about to capture one of the most precipitous rise and falls in the history of the internet... in real-time. David, protected by the belief that he’s just a kid with a camera, has constantly assumed risks. Even as a story of a sexual assault breaks, he’s busy covering up a near-lethal accident caught on film, intended to be entertainment. In the real world, these kinds of actions have life-changing consequences, but in the gold rush ecosystem of Social Media influence, the audience decides who succeeds, and who gets banished forever.
Insights
Plot Summary
A reclusive, aging filmmaker reflects on his past relationships and career, interweaving memories with his present-day isolation. The narrative explores themes of artistic integrity, personal regret, and the complexities of human connection through a series of fragmented flashbacks and introspective moments.
Critical Reception
Critical reception for 'Under the Influence' was highly polarized, with many praising its artistic ambition and Gallo's singular vision, while others found it self-indulgent and narratively opaque. Audience reactions were similarly divided, often citing the film's challenging structure and unconventional storytelling.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its artistic integrity and unflinching self-exploration.
Criticized for being overly self-indulgent and difficult to follow.
Noted for its striking visual style and evocative performances.
Google audience: Google users appreciated the film's experimental nature and Vincent Gallo's distinct directorial style, with many finding the performances compelling. However, a significant portion of viewers found the plot disjointed and the pacing too slow, leading to a mixed overall sentiment.
Fun Fact
Vincent Gallo wrote, directed, starred in, and composed the score for 'Under the Influence', a testament to his auteur approach to filmmaking.
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