Review: Palindromes (B+)

Palindromes (2004)
Directed by Todd Solondz
Starring Ellen Barkin, Emani Sledge, Sharon Wilkins, Richard Masur, Angela Pietropinto, Matthew Faber and Jennifer Jason Leigh
MPAA: R
Grade: B+

Review by Sebastian Francis Kennedy

Todd Solondz continues his envelope pushing with Palindromes, a remarkable film about abortion, religion and the audience's expectations to film casting and structure. Solondz loves to push political "hot buttons" with his films (Happiness, Storytelling, Welcome to the Dollhouse) and Palindromes certainly cements his reputation for audacity. Palindromes is unusual, yet finely crafted. It deserves to be seen and it is a shame that this film has not garnered wider recognition.

Palindromes tells the story of Aviva, a 13 year old girl that wants to have a baby. Her parents, played by Ellen Barkin and Richard Masur, advise their daughter that she is too young. Aviva is talked into having an abortion that she does not want. Aviva's main goal is to create her own family and she leaves home in an act of rebellion. She is taken in by a strange group of fundamentalists that believe that killing doctors that perform abortions is okay.

Of course, the hook to Palindromes is that the main character is played by eight different actors of various races and genders. While this sounds like it may be confusing to the viewer, Solondz takes care to blend this artfully and the effect is mesmerizing. Each actor brings their own interpretation of the Aviva character, and it is a refreshing convention that Solondz has achieved with this style. The most incredible of the Aviva performances is without a doubt by the African American girl (played by Sharon Wilkins) that seems vulnerable, sweet and lost. It is an Oscar worthy performance.

Palindromes is a brilliant film that entertains but also makes the viewer think about issues that are not usually included in the filmgoing experience. Although Palindromes is not for everyone, it is highly recommended for it's subject matter and presentation. This is an excellent film. Look for a small performance by DVD Confidential favorite Jennifer Jason Leigh (Single White Female, Fast Times At Ridgemont High, eXistenZ).