I am a huge fan of the astonishing Paul Thomas Anderson film Magnolia released in 1999. Even though it's been 25 years since it was released, I still regularly find my inner cinephile hankering after this stone cold classic, or at the very least craving a wee read around the subject matter, perhaps open up the Wikipedia page or find a YouTube analysis of the film.
Why is Magnolia so good?
As well as an unwavering sense of nostalgia that keeps me returning to this film, there's also a hypnotic je ne sais quoi about Magnolia that keeps it fresh no matter how many times I revisit this work of art. Maybe it's that I was an impressionable young whippersnapper in the year 2000 when I first discovered Magnolia, or the fact that Paul Thomas Anderson were absolutely at the top of their game when they released said film. It's hard to pinpoint something so transcendental. Once you love a piece of art you become faithful to it's ethos.
Magnolia is a film that is still relevant
One thing's for sure though, Magnolia has stood the test of time and then some. It remains as powerful and relevant today as it did in 1999. And why wouldn't it? With complex, interconnected storytelling like that, it's no wonder people return to this film again and again. I can't imagine life without it John.
Paul Thomas Anderson knocked it out the park
But it's not just the complex, interconnected storytelling that make this film great. It's the overall package. The amazing ensemble cast performances is a tour de force. The exquisite cinematography by Robert Elswit is integral, as is the iconic scene of frogs raining down on Los Angeles. And who can forget powerful use of Aimee Mann's music throughout the film. When Paul Thomas Anderson created this timeless classic, never mind the ball park, they knocked this one out of the solar system. This bad boy is in danger of bothering Voyager.
Has Magnolia stood the test of time?
Of course, there are other films out there to be argued for. Harder, better, faster, stronger. Some might argue that Juno is better than Magnolia, or that Jason Reitman is better than Paul Thomas Anderson. They may well have a point. But for me, Magnolia will always hold a special place in my heart. And 25 years tickling the meridian response does not lie.
Magnolia in conclusion
To sum up, Magnolia is a wonderful thing, a film of unrivalled quality. It's a film that has etched itself into the psyche, distributing untold tingles up the spine, hogging synapses and monopolising neurons that could otherwise be put to use appreciating more important, or perhaps more useful information. But no matter what life throws at me, I know I can always rely on Magnolia to deliver the goods.