Weekly Review -- An artsy eyeful

Art School Confidential (2006) -- A contemplation on a world of dreams, a quirky satire on snobbery that frequently rules intellectual realms, as well as a study of purest inspiration, this Terry Zwigoff film is a bizarrely funny and stirring slice of cinema. Young Jerome (Max Minghella) has always known that the art world was where he belonged. Enrolling in the prestigious Strathmore College and under the tutelage of professor Sandiford (John Malkovich), Jerome attempts to reach his true potential in a cutthroat environment. However, the task proves to be even more difficult, what with a beautiful model (Sophia Myles) being a distracting obsession, a mysterious killer prowling the campus and a host of other off-the-wall characters crossing Jerome's path. The comedy turns into a love story which, in turn, transforms itself into a darkly twisted murder mystery. Will our hero achieve his life's goals and get the girl at the same time? With his cynically hilarious oeuvre Ghost World, Zwigoff has shown a unique way of dealing with and mocking human nature and societal conventions; with this film, he expands on these themes by opening a door into a microcosm unfamiliar to many and delving into the dark side of artistic temperament. Minghella is a gem as the lovesick Jerome, his inner conflicts carefully delineated, relatable and, above all, believable. Myles's main purpose is to serve as the otherworldly muse to Minghella's character, and her cherubic appearance fits the role perfectly. Malkovich is not even close to his usual zany highbrow self as the quite disillusioned, yet somehow inspiring art teacher. There are some very nice supporting turns, from Anjelica Huston as another teacher -- a more enthusiastic version of Malkovich's character, to be sure -- to Ethan Suplee as the almost maniacal film student and Steve Buscemi as the local art café owner and collector. With its idiosyncratic characterizations, ironically clever screenplay, gorgeous cinematography courtesy of Jamie Anderson, and a fascinating milieu, the movie is intellectual eye candy at its finest.

8/10