Eden (2015)

Let's be realistic.

Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.

The acting in this movie is really good.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

The main criticism I've seen towards this film is that it has a detached approach, but I thought it worked wonders here, surprisingly. Thing is, you can handle a story about night life in two ways: by focusing on the frenzy and excitement, that ephemeral state of euphoria non-stop party and excess will do to you, and that's probably what most films of this kind do, and thus have little lasting power beyond the final credits. Or you can go for that other feeling often associated with such activity, which is one of emotional vacuum, of estrangement and low mood, which is more profound and permanent. This is what Løve is going for and succeeds in portraying: the life of someone who wants to be a DJ at all costs, and stick to it throughout the years, while knowing he won't be able to afford living like that. So he often feels unsatisfied and lacking in some kind of deeper personal realization. On the other hand, those around him do move forward, in one way or another, and so his relationships with all of them reach some kind of closure, making it even more depressing to him that in over a decade he pretty much hasn't gotten anywhere, hasn't really grown up nor learned anything from when he was a teen. An adequately long runtime, encompassing various states of the main character's life and various locations to where his work takes him, also contribute in making his frustrating journey so believable. Technically the film is a marvel, moving so naturally, so organically, from one sequence to the next, from one set piece to another, with a flow that is obviously aided by a powerful and almost constant soundtrack. If you like house music, it's pretty much guaranteed you'll love this film. But it has a lot of other qualities that really make it worth watching. I hope those of you who haven't seen it do soon.

Being a part time clubber and dance music fan from back in the day I was somewhat looking to this.The film starts with the gorgeous Plastic Dreams by Jaydee pumping out, I had goose bumps and thought, oh yes, this could be the opposite of Human Traffic, which was as we all know is a film for rave Wan*kers, I've never met anyone in a club who says lets have it, and if I did I would instantly walk away and avoid eye contact with them all night. Back to topic though. This film is a very slow burner, in fact, you have time for a few snooze busters, its only the music that actually keeps you awake.Our main character is a nice guy, but somewhat of a drip, he mopes around dreaming of the big time. He makes music, although we rarely see this but he appears on dance radio shows and is billed as some kind of legend. Yet, funnily enough, no one notices him when he is in the clubs. The same can be said for Daft Park, who were massive by the time he sold out.Another big problem I had, was the boy can't dance, my granddad dances better than he does and I've never met him.The film would have been so much more interesting if it actually was have been about Daft Park.I get the film, I have been a DJ, and knew what it was like to dream of the big time before selling out, although he didn't have to constantly be bombarded with requests of soulless Rnb!!Problem with this film is it had so much potential, yet ultimately its a total snoozefest. I wanted to walk out thinking of nostalgic house nights, banging tunes & good times, when in fact it just felt like Disney does DJing!

I don't understand the enthusiasm for this movie. it's completely useless and boring. you'd rather go party yourself than having to watch people dancing and taking drugs 2 hours long! One watches the main character screwing his life, his relationships, without being able to feel anything for what he's doing. and it's the same with the other characters. Aynthing can happen to them, it's impossible to feel any empathy for them. The movie is so long and the same happens again and again that it's a pain to watch. There is no surprise in it. The dialogs are superficial, you could argue it's like the life the characters are living, so in this case the movie is at least realistic. But all in all it's just a pointless movie.

Loved this movie. Saw it at the Toronto Film Festival. For anyone who grew up listening to this music it is a trip back in time to those amazing days. For those who didn't live the life, the music and the story is infectious. Epic story that follows the main character over many years and misadventures. A story of passion, love, music, disappointment and the joy of life (all wrapped into one). Any time Frankie knuckles whistle tune makes it into a movie is fine with me! My only criticism of the movie would be the fact that many scenes are drawn out over years, if not decades. I hope this film does well at subsequent festivals. Also, the acting is superb. The audience immediately connects with the main character. 10/10