6B - The Michigan Daily - Weekend, etc. Magazine - Thursday, February 10, 2000 0 0 Ignored "Splendor" offers crafty romance worth a look By David Victor Daily Arts Writer Most of you have never heard of "Splendor," a recent film written and directed by Gregg Araki (best known for "The Doom Generation"). It toured the film festival circuit in 1999, garnering acclaim, but it was never picked up for theatrical distrib- ution. However, the stubborn sur- vivor "Splendor" has recently made it to video and DVD, and this is one independent film that should not be missed. "Splendor" is essentially about Veronica (Kathleen Robertson), a young college grad trying to make a living acting in Los Angeles. She i left a sheltered Splendor yet troubled.(1939) home life in Grade: B+ Iowa and is Iowa nd is On Videocasette enjoying the and DVD possibilities of being by herself and single. The problem is, at first she can't get a date. However, one Halloween night, she runs into Abel (Jonathan Schacch) and Zed (Matt Keeslar), two guys she finds irre- sistible. She starts dating both, and inevitably, they find out about each other. Veronica can't decide between the' two of them, and neither guy is will- ing to give her up. Abel, a writer and music critic, has that "irresistible tortured artist thing" going, while Zed, a drummer in a punk band, is a muscleheaded animal of carnal pas- sion. In a unique compromise, the three enter into a sort of perpetual menage a trois where they all live together. Veronica is enjoying her life of "splendor" in ignorant bliss until unforeseen complications arise, forcing her and her lovers to make some challenging decisions. The characters of "Splendor" are an engaging, believable and varied bunch. Robertson ("Beverly Hills 90210") gives a strong and sexy per- formance as Veronica. Whether doing a mischievous striptease for her two lovers or being frightened and in tears over her uncertain future, Robertson evokes emotion and truth in her acting. It doesn't hurt that she's damn hot, too (calm down, ladies, you have your chance to ogle Matt Keeslar's ripped physique.). Her two men, Abel and Zed (A to Z, get it?), also give fine perfor- mances. Keesiar (appearing now in "Scream 3") plays Zed with equal parts blank stares, nonchalance and melodrama rather perfectly - he's the kind of comic character that makes you laugh at just his mere being who he is. Schaech ("That Thing You Do") plays a cynical-vet-charming, chain- smoking beatnik type. Of the three, however, he's the most muddled, and fails to compare with Robertson and Keeslar. Nevertheless, the men's characters make for very good com- petition (their mutual jealousy is understandably natural given the sit- uation), as they each have their own L , From left, Matt Keeslar, Kathleen Robertson and Jonathan Schaech cozy esp. Courtesy of MIV Don't blink or you'll miss Adam Carolla's supporting turn in "Splendor." I strengths and weaknesses. Down the stretch, it boils down to Abel's brains over Zed's brawn, and in this sex- charged comedy, Keeslar comes out with a definite edge over Schaech - in the audience's minds, at least. As director, Araki has crafted a truly breathtaking world in "Splendor" for his characters. The rainbow-inspired landscape of colors floods the screen, with cool blues Young Judaea 'SE Programs Work in Israel! If you have been to Israel, are knowledgeable about Judaism and Zionism and have counselor/teen education experience, we've got a job for you! 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Each option provides a unique look at Israel's sites, nature and history. To receive more information about any of these exciting opportunities. call 1-800-725-0612 or send e-mail to israelprograms@youngjudaea.org. and warm reds evoking just as much emotion as the characters. The vibrant color schemes create a lush environment that represents the epit- onie of visual "splendor." \which ties in wonderfully with the theme of the movie. Unique settings, from a video camera filled bar to a shimmering poolside in Maui, bring an indul- gence and orieinality to what may have been ordinary romance-movie set pieces. Araki's cinematography charges the screen with an energy seldom seen in the Gen-X romance genre. Dually complementing the excel- lent visual appearance of the film is a near-perfect soundtrack. Subtle,. ambient electronica suffuses the movie with a dreamlike quality. The occasional foray into hardcore punk punctuates the film with a visceral wallop. The supporting characters in "Splendor" are relativelv few, but they do their job ably. As Veronica's lesbian friend, Mike, Kelly MacDonald ("Trainspotting") is the assertive, opinionated \oice of rea- son in Veronica's splendiferous lifestyle. Mike also has a dog. Wesley, who just might be the tiniest. cutest little thing you ever did see. Eric Mabius plays Ernest. Veronica's lovelorn director with some serious self-esteem problems. Also look out for Adam Carolla (TV's "Loveline") in one of the shortest cameos in the history of film. Overall, "Splendor" offers a unique take on relationships and love in our modern age. While it initially seems to encourage an all-out hedo- nistic stance on life, Araki ultimately reveals the pitfalls of living without responsibility or growing up. Bolstered by well-written characters, engaging visuals and music, the neglected "Splendor" begs to be rented and enjoyed. You'd do yourself a true favor to share in the "Splendor." :sah Thursday, March 16 7:30 pm Hill Auditorium Tickets at the Michigan Union Ticket Office Charge by phone 763-TKTS Sponsored by Hadas: 8