05: quick look: viva

i can't help but crack up when i think of this movie. VIVA is a low budget, very independent film by anna biller. it's a strangely impressive film, not for the acting or the story, which i'm assuming were purposefully wooden, no it's impressive that someone-- even in this age of digital cameras-- could make a low budget film that's an almost pitch perfect 70's period piece. visually everything is nigh perfect-- the sets are dead ringers, down to the magazines, and nail colors, even the men wear wigs to keep the feel real. the only thing missing is the chest hair. that said, VIVA is a riot.

viva is the story of a housewife's sexual awakening, like so many *ahem* movies that came out in the 70's. if you've seen any of russ meyer's sexploitation films(FASTER PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL!, ULTRAVIXENS, MUDHONEY, or BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS,...and actually liked them, then you are in for a treat. VIVA would be perfect as a double feature with any of those movies. this is the same territory, lovingly recreated by biller who directed, edited, sang, danced, played organ, and, wrote the songs for the film. it's a fun little movie if you are looking for something silly, or something strange to play at a party.

it starts off with barbie (played by biller herself) and her neighbor, sheila and their respective husbands lounging by the pool, reading playboy, reciting lines then laughing strangely (think the end of an episode of scooby doo). soon enough, barbie and sheila have cut the hubbys loose and head down town wearing practically nothing, looking for "adventure." a madame picks them up, and soon they get into all sorts of trouble. suffice to say there are a couple of awful songs, and a tripped out love scene with a cartoon hallucination. honestly, i have to say, i loved viva. it borders on parody-- particularlly anna's acting, which involves looking into space, batting her eyes, and moving her eybrows up and down. it is a bit too long (the musical numbers should have been cut) but it's hilarious, and a ton of fun. i hope she keeps directing, i only wish they had tapped her to direct the CHARLIE'S ANGELS movies. they would have been 100 times better.