The Angela Chapters were a unique spin on a LV film. I don't know whether this be for better or worse, and would likely predict most people who actually like his films will despise this one.
The first couple "chapters" of this film really really lacked anything of significance to me. They didn't offer the typical edgy angsty "How gross and obscene/traumatic can I make this movie omg im so bad and master edgelord" LV is known for. But personally I thought that was great, thats about all he is known for as its about all he has really produced. Instead they offer "some" plot and "some" story. Problem being, it wasn't a very good or entertaining story/plot. It was very lack luster. So the gesture of trying something new was great, but the product was pretty lack luster.
THEN BABYCAT TAKES THE SCREEN. If this film was solely the hour dedicated to Babycat it would have been his best film yet. She offered background, time lapse character development, and incredible ... "acting"... skills. Putting aside all of the moral dilemmas that come with anything related to LV this individual rescued the entire "movie". I could rant on and on about how believable it was, and how traumatized and broken her life was portrayed... But thats where a lot of the dilemma comes in and I think I'll stay out of that messy tangle. Regardless, it seems every person who sat through this film and knows anything about LV is genuinely concerned for her and believed in the character.
Conclusion:
The film was decent. It began very boring, and ended as dramatic and climactic as Requium for a Dream. It truly escalated from a 1 to an ~8 if your looking for "this type of content." There are a lot of really horrible things coming out regarding the making, and I truly hope the women involved are okay. Watching these types of movies for the sake of enjoying someone suffer/be throw into society's gutters isn't something I can related to. But I think they demonstrate a dark corner most of society doesn't like to acknowledge. I wish those involved were easier to find so fans could check up on them/follow their lives etc. I know I would like to. I understand one was deceased before the movie was even released, and that alone is questionable about how she should have been portrayed on scene, but an LV film is an LV film.
Edit: after watching "the making of" post-film scenes it seems like 70% of what was shown during the good bits of the film (Looking at you Babycat), these were basically just freelance unscripted recordings of her sending LV actual photos/videos of various life moments, before they even met, to maybe be used in the film. Ignoring the fact she seemed manic in some of these and her wellbeing was "maybe" taken advantage of or ignored, this was the saving grace of the film. This is what made the film tragic, real, and unique. It gave the whole film identity. If your reading this, and assuming this is LV's final film, I hope someday you make something on your own. You embodied tragedy and commanded a huge array of emotions from watchers. Half the threads online about the film are concerned for you. LV may be listed as the director but you held this movie together, anyone wanting to manifest a movie like this should be beyond honored to have your assistance and uh.. "dedication."
