Tape (2001): Low Budget Film by Richard Linklater Packs High Budget Punch

Ever since I watched Waking Life, I became a huge fan of Richard Linklater. The magical thing about Waking Life was the fantasy trip (seeing as how its real life footage, that was converted into animation) that you experienced, while listening to dialog about very important and profound subjects. 

Then when I viewed Before Sunrise I not only was cemented as a fan, but gained great respect for the awesome way that he directed dialog. In Tape, he has shown the unlimited possibilities, even if you are limited in materials. Tape is a low budget movie that takes place completely in a motel room. But holds the power of a big budget film, both cinematically and creatively.

Tape is...

This film is based on a 1-act play, with only 3 characters. Tape begun as an off-off-Broadway play. All taking place in Access Theater's 5th floor walkup black box. It was written by playwright Stephen Belber. Both the play and film, take place entirely in Room 19 of a shabby motel in Lansing, Michigan. It was rented by Vince, a hot head, outgoing party animal who is visited by his high school friend Jon, who is a documentary filmmaker. 

The story is basically these two characters, passing time by reminiscing about the good old days. However things take a sharp turn when Vince and Jon, become caught up in an argument that leads into reliving the past and confronting past emotions and feelings. All involving an old girlfriend Amy, who later shows up and creates a world of trouble for both of these fellows.

Like almost all of Richard Linklater's films, Tape displays a firm understanding for dialog. I love films that are predominantly focused on the words spoken. And this one, is one, that just hits a home run. It is a beautiful character study, that holds all its strength, in how it shows human emotions. Physical language is used beautifully and becomes another character in the room. And it can't be easy to do, when the only scenery you have is a motel room. But in this film, the claustrophobic feel and the limits are actually its strongest point.