13 Conversations About One Thing Details

Quirky and intriguing

This is one of those films that features a number of different cross cutting stories which appear to be, but are not, happenning at the same time. Like a Robert Altman film or Magnolia, the characters appear in and influence the other stories. What links them is that they are all talking about happiness and the role of fate - how do we get happiness and how does it go away or is it given up? I really liked this film - I found the ensemble acting and multi layered storytelling to be refreshing. I also thought it raised some interesting and provoking ideas. However the stories themselves were uneven - the film is dominated by a strong performance by Alan Arkin as an ill tempered and vindictive insurance salesman who is also capable of kindness - in contrast the story featuring John Turturro felt less fully developed. The overall tone of the film was pessimistic - but I felt it was all the better for that!

[Highly rated reviewer]

A conversation piece?

A first rate cast, particularly Alan Arkin.

If you fancy watching a thoughtful, well paced, well put together film on the mystery of happiness and what is life about, then give this a go.

Don't watch it if you just want to switch off - the various stories going on interplay with each other, but not necessarily in the same timeframe. It's a film which needs to be watched not just viewed.

Watch it with others and it certainly has enough to generate post film conversations. Even if only of the "what the hell was that about" variety.