Between the light-hearted title and the video-store-geek-falls-for-porn-obsessed-outcast narrative, you could be forgiven for expecting a film somewhere on the comfy side of an indie cult comedy meets American Pie. Don’t. Marianna Palka’s first feature is an intense study of the dysfunctional relationship between a clueless video store clerk who lives in his car (Jason Ritter), and a traumatised, isolated young woman who rarely leaves her apartment (Palk herself) – except to pick up more porn.
But although an impressively risky first film, Palka (who writes, directs and produces as well as taking lead acting duties) keeps the audience at arms length throughout, never really giving enough access to the characters to truly make the bizarre relationship believable.
Perhaps if Palka had taken a step back, she might have afforded the audience the opportunity to take a closer look. Instead, we are left feeling entirely detached from the complexities of the relationship between the characters (who go resolutely unnamed). Is he a patient knight in shining armour who wants to help the woman he has fallen in love with? Or is he a sleazy no-hoper who stalks a damaged young woman, lies his way into her life and relentlessly pushes her into accepting him? Even at the seemingly happy ending we’re left in the uncomfortable (if admirably ambivalent) position of being not quite sure.
There are, however, humorous moments, which naturally come with the setting – the video store employees discuss the location of the clitoris, and Ritter’s character watches porn with his crush for the first time; with the understanding that he doesn’t speak, look at her or get an erection. But the laughs are uneasy, particularly when they are casually interspersed with the more uncomfortable subject matter.
The problem here is that the film isn’t quite sure what it is. Should we find the situation funny, or should we find it shockingly disturbing? Regardless, both actors make a heartfelt effort with the flawed script, and the interaction between the two is intriguing. It’s just that there’s something about the relationship that never quite convinces.
At times the situation seems like a crass stereotype of an unhealthy sexual interaction. Even when light is shed on Palka’s condition, the confrontation with her past seems half-hearted and misplaced after a film that skirts around the issue up until the last five minutes. Ambitious and elusive to the last, Palka’s debut isn’t quite handled with the skill that the subject matter demands.
