Source: theavclub.com
9. Art School Confidential
The most frustrating thing a movie can be for me is so close to being great but just falling short of that. And this is an example of that. It's a good movie that sidles up to greatness but can't quite make it. Art School Confidential is the story of Jerome Platz, an art student who wants to be great abut it broken completely by the horrible environment of arts educations. Also there's a murderer in the city strangling people. It all ties together, trust me.
And now it's time to reveal a little bit about myself for context. My formal education is in film (television to be specific) so I am deeply familiar with the art school archetypes in this movie. And when it's on, it is on fire. Some of the satire is biting and vicious, especially when it comes to the pretentiousness and self absorption of art students and their teachers. Jerome's film student roommate was a personal favorite character, as I know probably a hundred people like him. Some of the satire is misaimed (Nick Swardson's gay stereotype is the biggest example of a poorly aged joke) but at its highs it's pretty darn funny. Adam Scott's one scene cameo is definitely the high point and is worth trying to find on youtube if you can. I just wish the strangler/cop subplot was a bit more developed.
How Does it Compare to the Comic?: Well, the comic is a grand total of four pages so"¦ Here's the thing: I don't really like Daniel Clowes. From what I've read, which is pretty much just this and Ghost World, his stuff just isn't for me. And the original four page story isn't a narrative as much as a screed against art school. And it's more angry than funny. This is a huge improvement, even if it only lands at a"¦
