Movie Review Quickie: What the F@#& Do We Know?

This movie has been gaining steam on the indie circuit, generating something of a cult following. I have to say I was somewhat interested in this film which, I was told, was an attempt to explain quantum physics in layman's terms. Sounded interesting, also considering that is wrapped inside of a fictional day in the life of a woman who represents the everyperson of the tale.

The movie plays out with a lot of special effects and such to jazz up what amounts to a rather dry narrative. The story, such as it is, follows a photographer, played by Marlee Matlin, on her day from the morning on. We encounter her dealing with her roommate, her boss, her clients, all the while we get interspersed interview segments with various doctors and professors.

Initially we get some interesting information regarding the nature of quantum physics and how attempts are made to explain what is going on at these subatomic levels. The problem is that it quickly turns to new age religious philosophy regarding our actions and the effects of thoughts on ourselves and others. Basically that we are nothing but a collection of chemicals making choices and the right and wrong don't exist. Also, they go on the discuss the "creation" of god.

A large portion of the movie just sounded like pure non-sense. It seemed to be an attack on organized religion in the guise of a science documentary. I can't say that it wasn't at least partially interesting, but it was so padded out. It would have been an interesting 60 minute show on TLC or The Discovery Channel, rather than a nearly two hour feature film.

Bottomline. Some interesting scientific elements wrapped in new age philosophic nonsense. It lost a lot of credibility for me, when I found out one of the main speakers was a chiropractor. Unless you buy into new age ideas, this may not be a film worth your time. It may be worth a rental down the line, just go into it with a grain of salt.

Not Recommended.

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Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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Article comments

  • 1 - Eric Berlin

    Jan 08, 2005 at 11:17 pm

    I'm a little disappointed to hear such a disappointing review of this film. I've read raves of it elsewhere (particularly an in-depth look by Salon that came out some number of months ago). The take I got was that it presents a view sort of outside of both traditional science and traditional religion and new age thought. Having not seen it yet, I can't really give my opinion on it.

    I do recall though, that it was made on the flimsiest of budgets, was shown on one screen at one theater (in Oregon, I think) on the promise of selling out the house. It did, apparently, and has been selling out many houses since.

    So, I'm still interested in seeing it -- especially as a person interested in spirituality but convinced more than anything else by science and reason.

    Eric Berlin
    Dumpster Bust: Miracles from Mind Trash

  • 2 - Brave Kelso

    Jan 09, 2005 at 10:04 pm

    One reviewer said this flick added a new dimension to the term "cult classic". It was produced by a cult to promote its beliefs. Like many cults, it claims to have the real answer to the big questions, but it boils down to belief in the paranormal - standard new age nuttiness. This movie but it resorts to vague discussions of quantum mechanics to explain why adherents of this cult's special belief system should be able to foretell and control the future. Blah blah ...

  • 3 - DrPat

    Jan 09, 2005 at 10:37 pm

    Was the chiropractor one of the film's writers? One of the "physicists"? Or just one of the actors?

  • 4 - Chris

    Jan 09, 2005 at 10:40 pm

    He was one of the subjects, not an actor, he was an interviewee.

    I like that, new type of cult classic hahaha.

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