An intelligent, earnest, intimate think-piece that drops the ball only when it pauses for blunt exposition to make sure the viewer is getting the metaphysical point, this intricate karma-fueled philosophical ensemble drama revolves around emotional crossroads in the lives of several superficially interconnected characters. John Turturro is a punctilious academic, who leaves his wife (Amy Irving) after a mugging forces him to reexamine his life. Dryly sardonic Alan Arkin plays a miserable white-collar chump irked by a co-worker's persistent happiness. Matthew McConaughey does a turn as a self-satisfied criminal prosecutor who is consumed by guilt after a hit-and-run car crash. And Clea DuVall is the girl he hit, an insecure introvert whose spiritual faith and optimistic perseverance are shattered by the accident. While it may sound depressing, Thirteen Conversations About One Thing is ultimately hopeful (if not necessarily profound or memorable) in its exploration of the pursuit of happiness. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by writer-director Jill Sprecher, writer Karen Sprecher, and editor Stephen Mirrione; and trailers. Bottom line: a somewhat skimpy extras package for an interesting film. ] (R. Blackwelder)
Thirteen Conversations About One Thing
Columbia TriStar, 102 min., R, VHS: $54.99, DVD: $24.95, Nov. 19 Volume 17, Issue 6
Thirteen Conversations About One Thing
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