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Tape
2001
Richard Linklater, known for directing films that take place over a one-day period (SLACKER, DAZED AND CONFUSED, BEFORE SUNRISE), magnifies that concept even further with TAPE. Adapted from the Stephen Belber play, TAPE takes place in a Lansing, Michigan hotel room, where two old friends reunite ten years after graduation. .. Read more
| Starring | Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Robert Sean Leonard |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Linklater |
| Genres | Drama |
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Tape
Richard Linklater, known for directing films that take place over a one-day period (SLACKER, DAZED AND CONFUSED, BEFORE SUNRISE), magnifies that concept even further with TAPE. Adapted from the Stephen Belber play, TAPE takes place in a Lansing, Michigan hotel room, where two old friends reunite ten years after graduation. Vince (Ethan Hawke), a lackadaisical fire fighter who pays the rent by selling pot, and John (Robert Sean Leonard), a self-assured filmmaker whose debut feature is set to screen at the Lansing Film Festival, greet each other with smiles and hugs. But as their conversation becomes more personal, Vince brings up an old grudge from the past, which confounds John. Vince is convinced that on the night before graduation, John date-raped his ex-girlfriend, Amy (Uma Thurman), and he won't rest until John tells him what really happened. Eventually, John admits the truth, evoking a shocking response from Vince. John must finally confront the demons from his past. When Amy arrives at the hotel room and joins the old friends, she detonates the explosive situation, accusing both Vince and John of being selfish, heartless cowards, which they actually are. Shot on digital video all in one location, TAPE is a character study that features strong performances by all three leads.
| Starring | Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Robert Sean Leonard |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Linklater |
| Studio | PRISM LEISURE |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 23 mins Watch now: 1 hr 23 mins |
| Certificate | DVD: , Watch Online: |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English Watch Online: English |
| Released | DVD: 05 Jan 2004 Watch now: 05 Jun 2009 Production year: 2001 |
| Watch now | Subscribe and watch this as part of an unlimited package. |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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Dazed and Confused director Richard Linklater here demonstrates why the physical restrictions of theatre commonly make stage-play adaptations big-screen mistakes. Acting on star Ethan Hawke's advice, he utilised digital video film to translate Stephen Belber's unconventional reunion tale. In filming the action within a motel room in real time, without music, camera trickery or effects, Linklater tips his hat to the Dogme school of movie-making. But what begins as an interesting, naturalistic exercise in character-based drama — as three former friends reveal long-held resentments — soon becomes a grating, self-indulgent bore. Hawke's motormouth sparring with Robert Sean Leonard turns into egocentric posturing, while a fidgety Uma Thurman is unbearably smug as the cause of their emotional outpourings. However, it's the claustrophobia of the one-room setting and the stagnant visuals that finally take their toll, making it difficult to stay awake until the final credits roll.
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"...Incisive....Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard and Uma Thurman give the most psychologically acute performances of their film careers..."
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Most helpful member's review
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9 out of 12 people found this review helpful
Very clever independent film
This very clever independent film stars only three people, including Uma Thurman and her (soon to be ex) husband Ethan Hawke. It is all shot in a motel room with an on suite bathroom. All three are friends from High School with issues to resolve. I gave it 8/10.
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Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
You go on...I am done for!!!
Please please please do yourself a favour and DO NOT rent this.
Looks as though it has been filmed with a Nikon Coolpix (probably has) scenes are very poorly lit & shot, terrible acting. Ethan Hawke gives it a good shot but still looks a little embarressed to be in it. God knows how Una Thurman has managed to survive this long in the Acting proffession...(oh yes- because of Quentin Tarantino) she displays no trace of truthful acting.
It is a shame as this is an interesting play which has be 're-written' for film by the playwright but just doesnt work. No stakes or atmosphere is created whatsoever leaving little the viewer feeling nothing for any of the characters which is a shame. -
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Tape
Richard Linklater, known for directing films that take place over a one-day period (SLACKER, DAZED AND CONFUSED, BEFORE SUNRISE), magnifies that concept even further with TAPE. Adapted from the Stephen Belber play, TAPE takes place in a Lansing, Michigan hotel room, where two old friends reunite ...
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