LOL (2006)

User Rating:

5.0/10   

Director:

Joe Swanberg

Writers:

Kevin Bewersdorf (writer)
Joe Swanberg (writer)
(more)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

The relationships of three men are examined through their use of technology. |

Plot Keywords:

Mumblecore

Cast

Joe Swanberg	...	Tim
C. Mason Wells	...	Chris
Kevin Bewersdorf	...	Alex
Brigid Reagan	...	Ada
Tipper Newton	...	Walter
Greta Gerwig	...	Greta
Kate Winterich	...	Tessa
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Nathan Adloff	...	Anonymous Internet Girl Watcher
Laura Lippert	...	Flirt at Party
Anne Wells

Directed by
Joe Swanberg

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Kevin Bewersdorf		writer
Joe Swanberg		writer
C. Mason Wells		written by

Produced by
Joe Swanberg	....	producer

Original Music by
Kevin Bewersdorf

Cinematography by
Joe Swanberg

Film Editing by
Joe Swanberg

Distributors

• Gravitas Ventures (2007) (worldwide) (TV) (VOD)
• Benten Films (2007) (USA) (DVD)

Runtime:

USA:81 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Movie Connections:

References Touch of Evil (1958)

There's more to LOL than meets the eye.

For a film shot entirely on standard definition video, LOL is surprisingly accessible. In fact, the low quality visuals only seem to add to the ambiance of the film, which deals with the "youtube generation" a group of people whose social interaction relies heavily on the internet and technology. Yes the film is slow, almost boring in parts, but this fact becomes completely forgivable when one realizes that what they are watching is a near accurate representation of real life. Standard Hollywood conventions are ignored and replaced by a truly pioneering cinematic style. The characters infuriate, in the way only real people can. It's like watching a friend self destruct after not getting their way. But how can these characters give or take all they need from relationships, when the very technology that is there to enhance communication, is in fact hindering it. There is no physical sex, the closest thing being the sending back and forth of sexual pictures between mobile phones. The film paints a grim portrait of the way social interaction is heading, becoming more and more distant as we rely more heavily on technology. Although the film is probably only relevant to a certain narrow demographic, the filmmakers certainly have their fingers on the pulse of that culture.