Paul Thomas Anderson's "Magnolia" is a masterful film that seamlessly blends a day in the life of nine seemingly random characters. It possesses an energy that few films do. The acting is impeccable, the writing is magnificent, and the direction is almost 'Kubrick-ian'.
Jimmy Gator (Philip Baker Hall) is the host of a game show called "What Do Kids Know?". He has been hosting the show for what will be his 1000th hour on air, where Stanley Spector (Jeremy Blackman) is about to become the longest player in the shows history. Former champion Donny Smith's (William H. Macy) celebrity has run out since his run in the 60's and has been forced into a low level retail job. "What Do Kids Know?" producer Earl Partridge, Jason Robards in his last big screen role, is on his deathbed. He has befriended his nurse Phil Parma (Philip Seymour Hoffman) whom he trusts with the task of contacting his long lost son Frank T.J. Mackey (Tom Cruise), a self-help instructor who helps men to 'Seduce & Destroy'. Earl Partridge's gold digging wife Linda (Julianne Moore) is dealing with the regrets she feels about what she has done to her dying husband. Jimmy Gator is dying of cancer and attempts to reconcile with his estranged and drug addicted daughter Claudia (Melora Waters). Jim Kurring (John C. Reilly), a lonely LAPD officer, is called to Claudia's apartment on a noise complaint and becomes smitten with her. Each of these stories is handled more personally in this film than some are handled in entire movies. We get to know the characters so well. We know their dreams, their fears, their insecurities. We know them.
Paul Thomas Anderson showed us he had promise with "Boogie Nights", but with "Magnolia" he has undoubtedly established himself as one of the great directors in the industry. Every actor in this film is at the top of their respected games. It actually amazes me that PTA was able to gather so many amazing actors, whether they were just starting out or their incredible career was just about to come to an end. Anderson has assembled one of the greatest ensembles in film history and one of the greatest films of all time.
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