It suggests a human-interest story where all the humanity has been gutted in favor of deadening narrative efficiency.
The film finds little grooves of humanity to explore in its characters and milieu in between the expected plot beats.
The film’s script, by Oren Moverman and Michael A. Lerner, is slavishly adherent to biopic formula and clunky affirmations of Brian Wilson’s legacy.
After a while, the film’s sing-a-song-for-the-world vibe, so buoyantly optimistic at first, becomes grating and smug.
The main character is less of an individual, and one whom we wish to see avenged, than a transparent martyr for the collective sins of the wealthy few.
Compliance effectively splits the difference between American indie art-house solemnity and direct-to-video bad-object tastelessness.
Above all, Compliance is a sadistic exercise in deliberate, relentless unpleasantness.
Tamara Drewe showcases Stephen Frears as the off-key confectioner of Mrs. Henderson Presents.