Opening 28 Mar 2019
Directed by:
Harmony Korine
Writing credits:
Harmony Korine
Principal actors:
Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg, Isla Fisher, Stefania LaVie Owen, Martin Lawrence
Moondog (McConaughey) is leading the good life in Key West, Florida when Minnie (Fisher) beckons him home. Instead, he begs off to hangout with the other burnouts, until he is reminded daughter Heather’s (Owen) wedding is tomorrow. Lingerie (Dogg) is hosting the ceremony at his swanky estate; they agree to meet there, and Moondog manages (just!) not to ruin the wedding. Minnie is killed in an accident, and Moondog has to fulfill her will’s mandates to get his share. He cuts some corners, and wheedles his way out of tight squeezes. Nonetheless, he ultimately finds a common ground with Heather.
Worth noting in writer-director Harmony Korine’s newest film is the harmony of picture (Benoît Debie, cinematographer) and music (John Debney) throughout. Korine trademarks in this film are: decadence, and an abstractly artless storyline. Stitched together by Douglas Crise, the film consists of a meandering series of sequences, with each accompanied by a theme song. Definitely unconcerned with being politically correct, be advised Beach Bum has an R rating in USA for pervasive drug and alcohol use, language throughout, nudity and some strong sexual content. Contrarily, its dialogue is riddled with good-context lines. So, to quote one sequence’s theme song title “Is That All There Is?” You can decide, or wait for its digital release that will undoubtedly be soon. (Marinell Haegelin)
