by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What makes someone an artist? Is this distinct based on the actual creations of their imagination? Is it their process and ownership of some label? This might be a bit more complicated than you would expect from a film review about a small-time comedy. But when A24 puts out a film, it is never just that simple. Not only is Funny Pages about a young artist, but it is also about place in society, classism, and what the title of artist really means for someone. This is a dark and cringey comedy that might be too much for many viewers.
But where does this tale of a rich Princetonian teen who has big aspirations begin? When you see Robert (our protagonist portrayed by Daniel Zolghadri) for the first time, he is conferring with his mentor and teacher. But the second his teacher gets naked for Robert to draw, you know this film is going to be wild. The cringe that pours from this film is quite disturbing at times. And it gets weirder from there. The tone is potentially alienating for many viewers. Writer-director Owen Kline (who starred in the Safdie brothers’ short film, John’s Gone) throws out as many cringe moments as he can come up with. It is also challenging to find characters to root for in the film. Everyone is either jerks, creepy, or just downright despicable. But no one should be surprised that A24 created a film that is challenging to the audience.
But what is the film about? Robert wants to lash out against his life as a rich kid. His solution? He decides to move in with two strange men in an illegal basement apartment in Trenton. As someone who works and lived in this area, this is quite the edgy idea of a rich kid trying to prove that he is hard and living a life below his means. This theme is tackled head on, and I am sure that you can guess how it turns out for Robert. But his search for success in comics brings him to Wallace (Matthew Maher). Robert sees him as a great artist, but Wallace’s own life struggles has him seeing his career in a different light. Robert’s selfishness frames this struggle as a ticking time bomb of tension and horribly cringey actions. This central conflict is uncomfortable and deeply rooted in the ideas that Kline is trying to portray.
How does Kline deliver from behind the camera? This film has a specific grainy approach to the footage that gives it a vintage look. It is hard to pin down the actual time, but the vintage look garners a ‘70s feel. The film itself has a morally gray perspective that also feels ripped from the 1970s (fitting!). The film certainly moves, but it struggles at times with a driving force. The plot might be a bit thin, but Kline is still able to engage with its ideas. He also uniquely presents nerd culture in a neutral and natural way without going overboard with the stereotypes of comic book fans.
Does A24 have another winner on their hands with Funny Pages? This is far from their top films (it has been quite the year for them already with Everything Everywhere All at Once), but it delivers interesting ideas and a tense experience. Robert is quite unlikable, but his navigation of complex emotions in relationships is relatable. This is a tough sale, and some scenes may make you avoid it at all costs, but it is quite the experience.
Score: 7/10
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