I received an awards screener of INHERENT VICE about a week before the first actual Chicago press screening happened, and I was determined to wait and see the latest from writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson on the big screen first. It just seemed like the right thing to do, especially since the screening was going to be of a 35mm print, and how often do you get to see a brand new film in 35 any more? But the day before the screening, I started to panic because I was reading early reviews that made it clear that this was a film with a dense plot and small army of characters, the kind that needed to be seen at least twice to really wrap you brain around all of its glories. So I re-committed to attend the 35mm screening, but still watched my screener the day before, and thank god I did.
I was dazzled by INHERENT VICE (based on the novel by Thomas Pynchon) from the first viewing, but it truly opened itself up to be on screening number two. Those who say the plot doesn’t really matter because it’s all about the characters are 100 percent wrong. The plot matters a great deal, and since when does Anderson not care about plot and characters equally? But the plot is tough to crack the first time around. Not long after that double-shot of VICE, I saw the film again at Butt Numb-a-Thon 16, and just sat back and enjoyed the hell out it, now that I had all of its elements more or less straight in my head. Nevertheless, there were still wonderful nuances and details I hadn’t spotted before, and I began to realize that this would be one of those films that I could watch 50 times over and never get tired of it.
Because I firmly believe that you need to see INHERENT VICE at least twice to fully appreciate it, I’d like to offer a select few Chicago-area folks the chance to see it for the first time on me. I’ve got a limited number of seats for an early Chicago screening of INHERENT VICE for Ain’t It Cool News readers and one guest on Tuesday, January 6 at 7:00pm at a theater in Chicago (the exact location will only be given to the winners). Here’s how to win…
To win, send me an email at InherentViceChicago@aintitcoolmail.com (please note the new email address) with the subject line “What’s Up, Doc?” (exactly like that). In the body of the email, I need your full Name, if you are bringing a guest (each winner may bring ONE, confirmed guest--if I think you gave your extra ticket to someone trolling for free tickets at the theater, you won't get in), and the answer to the following question: “What is your favorite film that you had to see twice to fully appreciate, and why?” I need a film title and a detailed reason for your choice. Keep your responses BRIEF--no more than 100 words (no matter how tempted you are to go over the limit). Best answers (as judged by me) win, and you'll hear from me very soon if you won, so check your email over the weekend.
Although this is not an exclusive Ain't It Cool News event, winners’ seats will be reserved until 30 minutes before showtime (meaning 6:30pm). The venue is deliberately overbooked to guarantee a full house for our guest. If you can't arrive by 6:30pm, don't enter this contest. If you show up at the last minute, there is no guarantee that your seats will be good or together. If there's even the slightest chance you or your guests will have to back out of attending or arrive late if you do win, don't enter. If you have a job that might make you late or unable to attend, or an ill/pregnant relative, or a temperamental significant other, or a scratchy throat, do not enter. And the 24-hour-notice-to-cancel rule is done. If you win and don't show up, the Black List is your new best friend.
Good luck, everyone! And thanks to the Warner Bros. for giving us this very cool screening to Chicago.
