“Someday I will swallow this shitty world
and then, I hope, you will all die in agony” – Moondog.
Long hair, constantly wearing sunglasses, sneakers, vibrant beach shorts, and a T-shirt, he laughs, engages actively with his surroundings, drinks excessively, enjoys the company of women, uses drugs, and still manages to write his “genius works” amidst all these incredibly significant activities.
“The Beach Bum” (2019) is a one-and-a-half-hour satire of the modern publishing industry, an ode to a debauched and amoral lifestyle, a musically humorous adventure about a writer who stays true to his craft under any circumstances.
The film possesses a distinct flavor of genius that gradually transforms into disgust, ultimately leaving the viewer disappointed towards the end. The first half of the movie deserves attention, as it builds anticipation for the character’s development and maintains intrigue, almost as if it is hiding a powerful script twist for the end. However, film unfortunately maintains its unrelenting immoral and antisocial pace until very end, elevating the “genius” poet to heavens with his self-indulgence, love for freedom, and relentless vitality, which remains unshaken despite his constant use of drugs, alcohol, and smoking.
The Beach Bum (2019) is too divorced from reality to be taken seriously. It is a parody of life that fails to fully unleash its potential in an attempt to cater to a mass audience.
As someone familiar with depicted states portrayed in the film, I can honestly and confidently say that neither drugs nor alcohol in large quantities contribute to creativity; quite the opposite, in fact. It is not solely about the harm to health, addiction, or negative changes, but also the fact that one can produce something genuinely decent without any additional stimuli.
Moondog repeatedly justifies his cravings for alcohol and drugs as the only means to write a much-needed book. And it does work, as he produces equally candid garbage while both sober and intoxicated.
“The Beach Bum” (2019) touches on sensitive subjects that, in the hands of a skilled filmmaker, could have been transformed into something deserving of attention. However, Harmony Korine, the director and screenwriter, fails to make any attempt at depth or appeal, resulting in an empty film about nothing.
The main character is an immovable outcast, a rebel, a drug addict, and an alcoholic, yet he manages to remain attractive in the eyes of those around him. He attempts to maintain the same appeal for the viewer, constantly joking, reminiscing about his wife, forgiving her sexual escapades, and providing “positive emotions” to those around him. He is acknowledged as a genius, a great modern poet, warmly received, treated well, loved, and rewarded.
I could perceive this film as a purposeful mockery of the modern publishing industry if it weren’t for the complete focus on the main character. It obscures all the details (possible and impossible), permeating every minute of the film and preventing any other thoughts from arising.
A film about a writer
The author’s success is measured on multiple dimensions: material gain, self-satisfaction, and audience approval. The Beach Bum (2019) portrays a poet who attains everything an artist desires: wealth, fame, joy from life and writing.
At first glance, everything seems fine, if not for fantastical script and hollowness of overtly antisocial creative process. The Pulitzer Prize acts as the pinnacle of this comedy, representing zenith of glory and absurdity, behind which lies nothing but a repugnant aftertaste of wasted time.
“what crap sometimes beautiful poems grow from” – Moondog.
The Beach Bum (2019) truly revolves around a writer, a contemporary poet who prioritizes candidness and rejects all artistic rules. Avant-garde, daring, and unrelenting, his positive creative elements encompass action, self-assurance, and determination.
He is free from doubts, writes anywhere, embraces the challenges of fate and new trials, and fearlessly transforms all troubles into yet another foolish yet “genuine” poetic creation. Despite receiving a low rating, “The Beach Bum” (2019) manages to find its place on my list of movies about writers and writing.
Actors, characters
Matthew McConaughey is one of my favorite actors, and he delivers an excellent acting here. While Gary Oldman (another favorite actor) was considered for the lead role, it would have resulted in a completely different story, as Oldman is considerably older than McConaughey, which would have altered the character’s activity level and overall demeanor. Consequently, the film would have turned out slightly distinct.
Another addition to impressive portfolio of renowned artist Snoop Dogg, who effortlessly exists within frame, as he simply portrays himself.
Social component, morality
The violation of social norms is not mocked in any way; it is not even viewed from a perspective of consequences. On the contrary, filmmakers persistently uphold initial disregard for societal expectations.
Alongside this disregard, Moondog himself remains unchanged. The movie portrays a complete rebellion against societal rules, presenting an anthem to an anti-social lifestyle as a bonus for the creative individual, with Moondog serving as the emblematic symbol of this avant-garde expression.
The director seems to emulate Moondog’s approach, maintaining a comedy-parody style from start to finish.
Script
The Beach Bum flirts with the viewer, keeping them waiting for some development, changes, dynamics, but instead vomits on himself, as the main character has repeatedly done (look for director’s version).
This film could have benefited from being tagged as “based on a true story” or structured as a TV-series, allowing for the secondary characters to fully unfold and introducing additional life situations.
“The Beach Bum” is too small for such a performance and has the appearance of a beaten, bedraggled homeless man. Somewhere in the middle of movie, it was necessary to go to the bathroom and clean the intestines well, but Harmony Korine decided crap one’s pants both himself and his work of “art”.
The story of Moondog could have fit within a ten-minute short film, but instead, I had to endure watching this rubbish for an hour and a half, repeatedly observing him smoking, drinking, hanging out in bars, and pretending to be a creative individual who “feels this way about the world and life.”
Positive moments in The Beach Bum (2019) movie
Actors, music, colors.
The movie is easy to watch.
The music is not boring and quite witty.
The actors do a great job.
The image is attractive, bright, cinematography and editing at a height.
But that’s all.
Unfortunately, this is not enough to call this film worthy of attention.
Despite everything, the film remains interesting to watch due to its attractive visuals, well-paced tempo, and continuous musical accompaniment. The music rarely ceases, subtly reminding us that this is merely a comedic fairytale, nothing more. There is no time for boredom, but it falls short of the thrilling ride I had anticipated.
Conclusions
Perhaps I should have approached this film as an empty comedy meant for one evening’s entertainment, rather than seeking meaning and artistic depth while analyzing its components for this movie review. Yet, my impression is formed based on three key questions:
- Would I want to watch this movie a second time (or even a third)?
- Can I recommend it to others, and if so, why (and to whom)?
- Is this film a must-watch? Does it possess any unique qualities?
The Beach Bum (2019) is a film that I have no desire to rewatch. I might recommend it to avid fans of Matthew McConaughey, weed enthusiasts, and aspiring bohemian poets.
However, it certainly doesn’t make the cut for the best films, although it does possess a certain uniqueness: The Beach Bum (2019) is a remarkably unique piece of garbage.
The Beach Bum (2019) is a movie about a person, but this person is hollow, much like his worthless “genius” work.
The Beach Bum (2019) is a soap-bubble-movie, an empty box in a bright wrapper.
With all due respect to M. McConaughey, my rating for the film is a mere 3 out of 10.
One point is awarded for the lead’s excellent performance, a second point for nice soundtrack, and a third point for pace that managed to sustain interest until the end.
Great collection bruh! YEah damn! So many good movies there I didnt even hear. Good luck with your looking-for
thank you!