The Zone

Star Rating: ★★★★

Completely masturbatory bullshit on a number of levels, but at least it's self-aware masturbatory bullshit. I'm not sure Swanberg has really earned the right to be this self-reflexive (as prolific as he is) but to be honest i prefer him being sort of indulgent and experimental to the bland "realism" of Drinking Buddies. Also, i almost give this ten extra points for the scene with "When Love Breaks Down" playing (although seriously who the fuck listens to Prefab Sprout at half speed?).

A mumblecore version of Pasolini's Teorema with softcore pornography and a deconstructionist last act.

This is probably Swanberg's best movie. He's never been more in his head and that's actually where he's best. He wanted to make "realistic" sex scenes at the start of his career, but it seems like he's enjoying theorizing more these days. An update of Teorema within Swanberg's own hyper reflexive drama about making a film. I wrote a lot about it here: http://cinematalk.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/the-zone-2011/