Gigantic

Gigantic
2008
Directed By Matt Aselton



SYNOPSIS

Mattress salesman Brian (Paul Dano) has always dreamed of adopting a baby from China. His ho-hum life is interrupted when he meets and falls for the daughter (Zooey Deschanel) of a customer (John Goodman.) He then heads to his dad's (Ed Asner) birthday party and they along with his two brothers go on a magic mushroom hunt while tripping. On his return, Brian realizes he loves his girlfriend and tries to integrate her in his family, while receiving some big adoption news.



MY THOUGHTS

I usually enjoy movies that can keep me guessing what's going to happen next. Gigantic is one of them, for better or worse.
Some films, like the works of David Lynch, do this from their utter bizarreness and dreamlike qualities. Gigantic is more grounded in reality. The quirky indie film mentality tries to keep it from feeling mundane and that succeeds, but a mundane approach might make the film work better.

Part of the uncertainty comes from several unnecessary scenes. While Brian and his dad and brothers are hunting for mushrooms, someone suddenly fires a shot. Soon after, Brian is shot in the leg. This is quickly seemingly explained away later and forgotten.
Brian is also repeatedly attacked by a homeless man. This is never explained as to why this happens, or if it's a metaphor for life in the big city or something else.
You are left wondering in the back of your mind if there even was a homeless guy or a gunman and Brian did it to himself (a la 'Fight Club.') The script is too abstract and vague to make much sense. Maybe the scenes are important. You never really know. The addition of one simple scene could have explained everything (not included in film.)

The acting is strong. You really like Paul Dano's character. He is a nice guy with a great dream who's constantly being beat down (sometimes quite literally) and you hope he succeeds. He's certainly more likeable than in 'There Will Be Blood,' his character is similar to his turn in 'Little Miss Sunshine.'
Zooey Deschanel isn't much different than she is in other films, but she plays that pretty but aloof character so well, you don't mind.
SPOILER You want the characters to end up together, but we never do find out.
Ed Asner is a delight in his small role as Brian's dad. (Who'd ever imagine Lou Grant shroomin'?)

I admire the film for its uniqueness, but it's overly quirky and leaves too many questions than answers when the credits roll.