Click to read the article
November (2005)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:75
Fresh:23
Rotten:52
Average Rating:5/10
Consensus: Murky and too artsy for its own good, November ends up being a case of style with little substance.
Runtime: 89 mins
Genre: Thriller
Synopsis: This stylish thriller, which was shot on mini-DV in only 15 days in guerilla manner, displays a moody aestheticism and cohesive vision that suggests a bigger budget. The claustrophobic interiors,... This stylish thriller, which was shot on mini-DV in only 15 days in guerilla manner, displays a moody aestheticism and cohesive vision that suggests a bigger budget. The claustrophobic interiors, spare soundtrack, and innovative lighting make the most of a compelling, challenging script that leaves the viewer perennially uncertain as to what is real. Courtney Cox-Arquette, demonstrating her dramatic chops in a drastic shift from her FRIENDS character, stars as Sophie Jacobson, whose boyfriend Hugh (James Le Gros, DRUGSTORE COWBOY, LOVELY & AMAZING) is shot and killed one night in a convenience store while she waits in the car. Traumatized, Sophie is plagued by headaches and strange episodes that increasingly impair her everyday life. Resuming her job as a photography teacher at the local college, she is confronted by a photograph taken the night of the shooting. When she investigates to find out who took it, the answer sets off a string of events that defy explanation. The narrative unfolds in a nonlinear way, traveling both directions in time from the central event of the shooting, recalling in equal parts MEMENTO and MULHOLLAND DRIVE. The couple's history is elaborated, providing new insight into the events surrounding that fateful night, while certain episodes repeat themselves with subtle variations, leaving audiences to parse the truth for themselves. As new elements are constantly introduced, everyone starts to question Sophie's sanity--including the audience. Finally, reality comes unglued and the shock of Sophie's trauma is explored in a new way. [More]
Starring: Courteney Cox-Arquette, Anne Archer, James LeGros, Michael Ealy
Starring: Courteney Cox-Arquette, Anne Archer, James LeGros, Michael Ealy, Nora Dunn
Director: Greg Harrison
Director: Greg Harrison
Screenwriter: Benjamin Brand
Producer: Danielle Renfrew
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Reviews for November
Director Harrison gives November a terrific look, with an extra helping of dark and moody. In fact, the look of the movie is probably its most impressive aspect
November is the real deal, subtle and scary and touching and profound and unforgettable all at once.
It's solid filmmaking, moody and dark and evocative. It's not the stuff classics are made of, but it's certainly what 70 minutes of psycho-drama entertainment are made of.
A one-woman Rashomon that plays and replays the same traumatic incident, with shifts in nuance.
While not entirely successful Harrison and company manage to create one of the strangest romantic films out there and for their attempt at the offbeat deserve to be recognized.
In the gritty psychological thriller November, a gutsy Courteney Cox puts a world of distance between herself and her lightweight 'Friends' image.
It's no classic, but it has more in the way of brains than many of its fellows.
The performances are crisp and in focus, with Cox in particular showing a photogenic feel for expressing grief.
I liked it even better the second time when I knew where we were heading.
Those who give themselves over to Harrison's compelling machinations will be rewarded with a superbly unnerving mystery.
For those who like these sorts of cinematic Sudoku puzzles, “November” is a good one.
It's intriguing when a film is about tension, and its method is about tension, and the two seem to be pulling against each other.
A cleverly assembled film, shot and edited on digital video for a pittance, November wants only to be an entertainingly squirmy mind tease.
More DVDs
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 86% 86% | A Christmas Tale |
| 60% 60% | Paper Heart |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Fresh Links
Featured

Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.



Top Critic

