I Love The Huckabees

“I LOVE THE HUCKABEES” just may be the strangest film I have ever seen. It just may be one of the strangest films ANYONE has ever seen! 

I’m not sure that there is a simple—or even complex—way of describing the film and I am not even sure if I liked or loved it; was bored or transfixed; was stimulated or depressed. Maybe all of the above? I can say for sure, though, that the film is utterly innovative in its style and subject matter and, as such, has no historical precedent. Maybe “What’s Up Doc” meets “Harold and Maude” meets “What the Bleep” meets “The Simpson’s.” It is…uh…strange.

Loosely told, the film is about two “existential” detectives (Lily Tomlin and Dustin Hoffman—both hilarious and wonderful) who delve deeply into the psyches, souls, and very essence of their clients to help them resolve complicated life issues. Their vision of life is positive and utterly metaphysical and their mantra is literally “we are all one.” Their counterpart, played by the estimable French actress Isabelle Huppert, presents the other dark shadow side of life being cruel, manipulative, and deceitful. In essence, the characters and the audience are plunged into nothing less than a metaphysical drama about what is real and unreal, positive and negative. 

Along the way, we meet an assortment of truly eccentric and sometimes oddball archetypes, all of whom represent various aspects of human integration and disintegration. 

The film is ABSOLUTELY NOT FOR EVERYONE! Its “R” rating is well-earned—for language and some sexuality. For those of you, however, who are looking for something completely different, unsettling, entertaining, exasperating, stimulating, and challenging, give it a shot! And, without ruining the ending, the last line of dialogue in the film is so delicious and such a perfect metaphor for the way we create obstacles in our own lives, that it is worth the entire journey of the film itself. I always remember the last line of “Some Like It Hot” as being the best last line ever in a movie (“Nobody’s perfect!”)—but HUCKABEES comes very close in its own way to matching that impact.

Steven Simon

This Month's Spiritual Cinema Circle Films

REMEMBER - With cast and crew from the television series “E.R.”, this short film poetically delves into the topic of Alzheimer’s. In a way that allows compassion for the one afflicted and the caretaker both, this is truly a love story. Written and Directed by Yvette Freeman, starring Ellen Crawford & Jimmie Skaggs. (17 min.)

DANCE WITH ME - Set in France in the 1930’s, this enchanting tale of an older couple on their anniversary features lush set design that will make even young viewers nostalgic. A gift from a magical stranger provides the husband with all the tools he needs to explore what has faded through the years, and what he is willing, even now, to give up to memorialize his love. Written & Directed by Devon Chivvis. (15 min.)

SUZUKI SPEAKS - This mind-boggling, eye-popping documentary illustrates theories of David Suzuki (physicist, environmentalist, television host) with computer graphics and animation reminiscent of “What The Bleep Do We Know.” Explaining philosophies to live by, Dr. Suzuki inspires while he illuminates results of our modern lifestyles. When we face these challenges, we can begin to make a difference in our lives and in the world today. Directed by Tony Papa. (45 min.)

BOOK OF STARS - The haunting and powerful story of two sisters (Mary Stuart Masterson and Jena Malone) left to take care of one another. Their struggles reflect how we all feel on some level as we venture out into the world on our own. The younger sister looks optimistically to the future with a creative journal where she writes and draws images of love and inspiration. The older sister struggles with her identity but keeps a brave face towards the future. Ultimately, the new world of hope that opens up for the sisters leaves us with the possibility of a stronger, kinder future. Written by Tasca Shadix, Directed by Michael Miner. (107 min.)

For more information about the Spiritual Cinema Circle, click here.