Rent Mutual Appreciation (2005)

Watchable, though not the best in the genre. - Mutual Appreciation review by CP Customer

Part of the ultra-low budget ‘Mumblecore’ genre of indie cinema, ‘Mutual Appreciation’ revolves around the character of Alan, a singer-songwriter who moves to New York shortly after his band breaks up. Due to play an important prearranged gig later in the week and now without a band, he finds support from a local college radio DJ named Sara. He soon faces an awkward situation when he takes on Sara’s brother as his new drummer but at the same time tries to distance himself from an increasingly infatuated Sara. While in New York, Alan reconnects with an old friend called Lawrence and his girlfriend Ellie, who Alan soon begins to develop an unspoken attraction, and soon a love triangle unfolds in which Alan at the center faces destroying relationships with everyone around him, all the while not knowing what to put first, love, friendship or career. After Andrew Bujalski’s debut film ‘Funny Ha Ha’, ‘Mutual Appreciation’ is an even more niche film than his first. While the storyline is far richer and has more depth than his debut film, the choice of shooting in 16mm black and white will mean it won’t appeal to everyone. And even as a fan of the ‘Mumblecore’ genre I was left questioning the Bujalski’s preference of grainy black and white film over colour digital video, though I’m sure some will prefer the black and white look. That aside, the overall film is highly watchable, probably a bit too long, but for fans of this kind of film making it’s one to watch. If you enjoyed this also take a look at similar films within the mumblecore genre such as ‘Puffy Chair’, ‘Funny Ha Ha’, ‘Four Eyed Monsters’, ‘Old Joy’ and if they ever get a DVD release... ‘Hannah Takes The Stairs’, ‘LOL’, ‘Dance Party USA’, and the superb ‘Quiet City’.