‘Wicker Park’ takes an unconventional look at love
Published 2:00 pm Thursday, September 9, 2004
Anybody who walks into “Wicker Park” expecting a conventional love story or a chilling psychological thriller will most likely be disappointed.
“Wicker Park” is, however, a very intriguing film. It is a thought-provoking piece that has the audience examine how thin the line is between love and obsession.
Matt (Josh Hartnett) is an advertising executive who it is later revealed, throughout a series of flashbacks, has been a freelance photographer. It is through this passion that Matt met Lisa (Diane Kruger, who is far more impressive in this film than she was in “Troy,”) a dancer who falls in love with Matt after their first date. All is well until Matt asks Lisa to move to New York with him, she suddenly disappears without a trace.
Two years later Matt enters a world of deceit as he starts following some recent clues to try to find his true love. Rose Byrne complicates the search by showing up as a girl who is living in Lisa’s apartment and using her name.
Technically the film is very impressive as it replicates elements from the Indie film genre. The camera work is well done and employs multiple angles in a single scene. Also, the introspective and realistic acting style fits the movie.
The film’s music choices were quirky and often served to create each desired mood. “Wicker Park” is an emotion-driven film, which bravely tries to explore themes of desire without oversimplifying them.
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Keysha Couzens is a senior at Umatilla High School who hopes to pursue a career in journalism and film studies.