CHASING CHASING AMY: A Devoted Fan’s Journey Through the Looking Glass
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Chasing Chasing Amy review says it’s like a long, intriguing chat with some of your favorite movie mavens.
As a film buff who’s seen more documentaries than a barrel-full of cats have lives, I approached Chasing Chasing Amy with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. After all, how interesting could a documentary about a 1997 Kevin Smith rom-com really be?
Turns out, pretty darn interesting.
Sav Rodgers‘ debut feature is like a Russian nesting doll of queer cinema — a documentary about a movie about sexuality, wrapped in a coming-out story. It’s meta enough to make Charlie Kaufman‘s head spin, but somehow, it works.
Rodgers takes us on a journey through his own relationship with Chasing Amy, from his wide-eyed 12-year-old self finding solace in its queer characters, to his adult self grappling with the film’s complicated legacy.
Chasing Chasing Amy review: Geek enthusiasm is infectious
The film is peppered with interviews featuring everyone from Kevin Smith himself to Jason Lee and Joey Lauren Adams, plus various critics and activists. At times, it feels like Rodgers is hosting the world’s most niche TED talk, but his earnestness and geek enthusiasm are infectious. You can’t help but root for this guy as he dissects his favorite movie with fervor.
From a filmmaking perspective, Rodgers shows promise. While the talking heads format isn’t groundbreaking, he manages to weave in his personal story with a deft touch. The comic book motif is a nice nod to Chasing Amy‘s roots, even if it occasionally feels like we’re flipping through the world’s longest graphic novel.
What really elevates the documentary is its willingness to engage with Chasing Amy‘s problematic elements. Rodgers doesn’t shy away from the film’s shortcomings, instead using them as a springboard to discuss broader issues in queer representation. It’s like watching someone have a heartfelt conversation with their problematic fave.
The meta-narrative of Rodgers’ own journey as a trans man adds another layer to the film. Watching him find himself while reexamining the movie that once defined him is genuinely touching. It’s a reminder that our relationship with art can be as complex and evolving as our relationship with ourselves.
In the end, Chasing Chasing Amy is like that friend who won’t shut up about their favorite movie — but in the best possible way. It’s a love letter to cinema, a thoughtful examination of queer representation, and a coming-of-age story all rolled into one. Who knew chasing Chasing Amy could lead somewhere so intriguing?
Rated NR
1 Hour 37 Minutes
If, after reading this Chasing Chasing Amy review, you want to see it, follow the impending release date on their website: Chasingamydoc.com.
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Chasing Chasing Amy review says it’s like a long, intriguing chat with some of your favorite movie mavens.