Goats (2012)

Even though this flick had a definite effect upon me I'm only giving seven stars because I felt the story was presented too episodic and choppy.There's Graham's relationship with his mother, then his relationship with goat man, then his relationship with his Gates dorm roommate, then his relationship with his absent father, then his relationship with the girl that walks across the Gates campus. None of these seem to come together to mold out the story. Each person is compartmentalized into his life.But maybe that was the directors intention as the overwhelming message in this movie is 'we might lives among others but ultimately we are alone in this world'.This is Not a comedy! It might be lite drama but there is very little funny to be found.

I would like to start with that - after watching this movie i wished i were the one living in the farm with Goat man as my father :D. Although this movie does not introduce deep philosophical problems - it is about life and leaves you with cosmic feeling that life is good. It revolves around ordinary story of really fictional fifteen year old boy(believe me boys at that age are rarely so mature ;) ) but the characters around him are the one that matters. David Duchovny is one of the few really genuine actors, who can portray weird but true and honest characters in their nature, so well. He is witty and his subtle intelligence is so appealing and his character Goat Man has so many layers. He starts as a mysterious and flawless guardian who is always there and just gives you advices and leads you on a journey without judging you. But later in the movie we see him as a real man with weaknesses and desires. In the end he proves to be the real father and the best the boy could have. The film shows that even though the boy was raised in this unconventional atmosphere with two unconventional parents who loved him so much, he couldn't escape from his biological nature and pursuing what his biological father had thus pulling him apart from his real family. I really liked the open ending leaving us with feeling that life goes on and anything can happen.

Having read a review prior to attending the screening, I had mixed expectations about Goats. But in the time since, this complex and poignant film has stuck with me more than most any film I have seen lately. As billed, Goats is a coming of age story, but it is much deeper than the typical angst ridden drama with a teen central character. In fact, all the people in 15-year-old Ellis's life, no matter what their age, face the turmoil of growing up.A smart, but weed-toking slacker, Ellis is probably the most grounded of this oddball mix of humanity. Graham Phillips does a marvelous job of showing us his emotional journey rather than short cutting with some cheesy exposition. He doesn't have any real drive other then a conflicted sense he needs to move beyond the life he grew up with. This portrayal is very true to life. Director Christopher Neil gets a lot of depth out of his actors without over doing it. The performances of Vera Farmiga and David Duchovny are wonderful as the over-the-top, self absorbed seeker of spirituality Wendy, and the so laid back his is almost in reverse Goat Man. Justin Kirk is fun to watch as Wendy's arrogant, two timing sleaze bag boyfriend. An all to brief cameo of Minnie Driver as a spiritual coach is a hoot.There is stark visual contrast between Ellis's new world of east coast boarding school and his old life in Tucson. This mirrors the emotional jarring Ellis is going through. As the film treks forward on two parallel trails, we are also reminded that, despite our protests, life continues without those we love. When these trails intersect, we see how Ellis is pulled between his two worlds.The scenes shot in and around Tucson, Arizona give Goats a unique look. Thankfully, the film avoids the clichés of Tucson. Sure we see saguaros, the mountains and vast alluring desert landscapes. But they are part of the environment the characters naturally inhabit rather than used as pretty postcard filler shots. It also, for the most part, avoids the clichés of boarding school. There is a nice twist when the track coach takes Ellis's joint, and simultaneously blackmails him in to running cross-country, while savoring a smoke.Throughout the film, a lot is said indirectly through action, or through dialog containing multiple meanings. When Goat Man says, "I hate my goats," it reveals a moment of clarity: an inner disappointment with his life and the feeling he is trapped in it.The packed crowd at the screening I attended laughed, cheered, and in the end, erupted into applause. Where so many films of this genre plod to a tedious end, Goats treks lightly to its conclusion. It is not tied up neatly with a bow. The characters all have a long journey ahead, and most likely, they won't get where they think they want to go. Kind of like, well, goats. In the end, I found I wanted to see more of the story. It is an entertaining film that leaves you with something to talk about.

Goats is one of the best films I've seen in a long time. It's smart, funny, engaging and brilliantly acted. Never once did I find my mind wondering or thinking this would be better if.... It had me captured from the beginning straight through to the end. The character of Ellis was sweet yet not too sweet and I found myself rooting for him the whole time. It was refreshing to see characters that were deeply flawed, but truly loved each other with all they had. The transformations were subtle, but real. The audience seemed to really connect with the characters and story. It was a coming of age story, but so much deeper and richer than the typical, run-of-the-mill coming of age flick. I feel luck to have seen this film and hope that others get the chance as well.