Search - The Anarchist Cookbook on DVD

Thought-provoking but unfocused

Lleu Christopher | Hudson Valley, NY | 01/10/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This independent film, directed by Jordan Susman, gets its title from an infamous book from the 1960s which advocates every conceivable kind of rebellion against authority. This film, on the other hand, is basically apolitical, despite its title and theme. It starts off in an extremely lighthearted manner, showing a group of "anarchists" who are more like a harmless hybrid between hippies and slackers. They live communally in a large, rundown house in Dallas. The cast features Devon Gummersall as Puck, a likable, mild-mannered sort who seems to have drifted into this lifestyle by accident and John Savage (the only well known member of the cast) as an older veteran of the counterculture. The anarchists start out as a comical group who could be members of a fraternity. The story is rather unfocused and not very much happens for the first two-thirds of the film. Puck leaves the community for no apparent reason and later returns; an improbable romance between Puck and a girl who belongs to a Republican group fills some space; there is an amusing but familiar sequence of Puck and a friend working in a Starbucks-type cafe and, naturally, getting fired promptly. When a newcomer named Johnny Black (Dylan Bruno) challenges the group to do more than talk and protest, the film takes a turn into darker territory. Johnny Black joins forces with some right-wing militia groups, which raises some interesting questions about political ideology --questions which the film ultimately abandons. If The Anarchist Cookbook has a message, it is a very vague one, especially considering its provocative title. Even when the anarchists discuss politics, there is an avoidance of anything too controversial. Although the film was apparently released in 2002, there is no indication of the actual contemporary atmosphere --e.g. 9-11, War on Terror, Iraq, etc. It seems to be taking place in a more innocent era. The film seems to be saying, in its very indirect way, that when you take the idea of anarchism to its natural conclusion, you end up with someone like Johnny Black, who turns out to be violent and amoral. At the end, Puck makes the heavy-handed observation that "freedom without responsibility is a myth." This may be a valid message, but this meandering film does not back it up. I have to give it some credit, however, for being, at times, interesting and thought-provoking and for at least having the courage to tiptoe around material that other films would not touch with a ten-foot pole."

Sharp, brilliant.

N. Shenkin | L.A., CA. | 08/29/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think those that gave this film a bad review genuinely don't understand it. I rented it, and was blown away. If you thought the Matrix was brilliant, you won't like this film, but then again, you would not understand filmmaking.



This film was created by people that understand the medium. If you truly understand and appreciate film, you will appreciate this one. Definitely a must see for those interested in exploring the edge of filmmaking."

SLC Punk cont.

Skylar Goldman | Atlanta, GA USA | 05/27/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This movie to me really just felt like a new version of the movie SLC Punk. Besides having the nihilist in the Anarchist Cookbook, there are countless parallels between the two movies. Best friends, tragedy, group of counter-culture hacks, counter-culture hacks disappear, etc. etc.



It was ok I guess and mildy entertaining, but not something worth purchasing. If you can rent it or buy it used for under $5 then sure, it might be worth checking out."

Weird movie

Wendy Schroeder | Englewood, Co United States | 08/14/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"It's kind of a goofy movie. Nothing like what I expected. It's neither a comedy or a drama. A little of both. It follows a group of young people (well except the leader is old) who want to change the world but really just living haphazardly. More like hippies than anarchists. It's a group that looks out for each other...until Johnny Black comes into their lives and remakes the group into his idea of how it should be. Which is very destructive. Most leave. Puck doesn't like the changes and leaves but returns to take care of the remaining original members.



I really disliked the ending. It was interesting in a mildly entertaining way but I can't recommend this movie.

"