Chasing Greatness

Chasing Amy is one of those that totally and completely changed my life.  It changed the way I feel about how important writing is in regards to the film-making process.  It also told me that it is possible to have a very close friendship with a member of the opposite sex, and even though it will never ever be more than that, that can be a wonderful and beautiful thing.

It is the opinion of this blogger that Chasing Amy is Kevin Smith's best work.  Yet, anybody who has seen the film knows that it technically is a science fiction movie, as what happens in this movie could never ever happen in real life.  This movie is the story of how Holden McNeil (Ben Affleck) befriends Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), and ultimately falls in love with her and the consequences that arise because of this.  

I think Ben Affleck has gotten considerably better and better over the years as an actor.  I think since he has started directing, he has become a better actor.  What makes him great in this film is that he really gets authentic dialogue to work with.  You really see a genuine performance come through in his performance that makes you feel for him.  His monologue when he is professing his love to Alyssa in his car is one of the most moving scenes I've ever witnessed in a film.

Jason Lee is another example of an actor who has gotten considerably better as an actor.  In the film, he plays Banky Edwards, Holden's best friend.  Lee is perfect at playing the best friend we all want to have: supportive, protective, and always giving advice even at the risk of ending his friendship with Holden.  Their friendship and success as artists are always foremost on his mind.

I have not seen Joey Lauren Adams in many films aside from this and The Waterboy.  Unfortunately, it seems that since Chasing Amy, she has gotten herself pigeonholed into the "girl next door" kind of roles.  That being said, I think she is great in this film.  She really feels like a genuine person and not just a character in a movie.  Their is pure, raw emotion in her presence that really makes her dialogue, along with Affleck's, feel genuine.

Over the past couple of years, I have become a huge fan of Kevin Smith.  Although I think his strengths lie more in his writing than his directing, there are a couple of scenes in Chasing Amy which are particularly well directed.  You always get something fresh and original with Kevin Smith, which is why he has such an enormous fan-base.

Personally, I could watch Chasing Amy over and over again countless times.  I think it truly deserves the recognition that it gets, despite its inconsistencies.  I cannot recommend this movie enough.