Planet Mad

Went to see The Hours with Jess. It was one of the most bizarre films I've seen in a long while - I came out thinking, "Well, that was all very artistic, but what am I supposed to be feeling?" I felt little empathy with any of the characters, was left with no linger of sadness or other such emotion. I haven't felt like that since watching American Beauty. It felt like a film that was trying to have a serious message, but didn't quite manage it. As the closing credits rolled, the audience sat in stunned silence, trying to work out what they'd just seen. Most left the auditorium looking confused. I hate to use the word 'pretentious' to describe drama, whether on stage or on screen, but this may be a contender for that category.