God Bless America (2012) Review
Last year at MIFF (Melbourne International Film Festival) I had to opportunity to have a sit down Q&A with Bobcat Goldthwait. I got to meet him afterwards and I told him that I loved God Bless America and it really spoke to me. The look on his face and his reaction said it all, he was happy that it did and he knew I really got the film.
The film is about a mid 40's divorced man Frank (Joel Murray), who has nothing much left in life. He finds out that he has a brain tumour, gets fired from his job and basically loses his mind completely when he kills the spoiled teen star of a reality TV show. This event is witnessed by Roxy (Tara Lynne Barr), a teen girl who shares Frank's world view (that is, that stupidity and rudeness warrants death) and wants to join him on this rampage he's started. There is an obvious age gap and Frank does what he can to actually keep that aspect above board while on a killing spree to rid America of what they consider scum.
Posted by Marcey Papandrea - 11/03/2013
This is a very relevant film about the reality TV obsessed society that we live in; the kind of society that rewards idiocy and shallowness with celebrity. It's definitely controversial due to recent tragic events in the US, however this film isn't just about spree killing, and it certainly doesn't condone doing that either. It looks at the state of society, and how much time gets invested in celebrity and how desperate people are to get their 15 minutes of fame. Yes this is a social commentary, and a very in your face one, done with the darkest of humour.
Bobcat has crafted a very smart and engaging film. His script and direction are sharp. The film is owned by its amazing lead actors; Joel Murray is fantastic and certainly shows what he is capable of in one of his rare leading roles. Tara Lynne Barr took what could have been an annoying character and made her quite charming (just don't ever call her 'Juno'). While the film has a few problems (the time line seems all over the place and it was distracting), it worked for me and I really got a lot out of its spot-on commentary on our vapid society. Highly recommended viewing.
☆☆☆☆
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