gavin6942
Jackie, a secretary in a legal firm, invites Michael, a paralegal in her office, over for a dinner date. The film follows the course of their evening as the two manage to surprise each other with hidden, unexpected twists of character.In many ways, this is not unlike Richard Linklater's "Before" trilogy, because it amounts to basically a couple in conversation for 90 minutes. The key difference, however, is that Linklater utilized some great locations. Noonan adapted the film from a stage play, and this is quite evident... it could easily be shot in one room, whether it be an apartment, a library, or pretty much anywhere.The writing is good and the acting is strong, but the film itself is just alright. It never really rises above the stage play, and it seems a shame to translate something from a play to a film without making the necessary adjustments.
bob_meg
Taking place entirely in the Soho loft of a young secretary played by the remarkable, seldom-seen Karen Silias, What Happened Was is an excursion in date torture, pitting a self-conscious paralegal (played to perfection by director/writer Tom Noonan) against Silias' lonely, easily impressed young woman.What I found most fascinating about this film's script is that it introduces two people who are not at all what they seem to be at first...and we don't know this until the film progresses. We witness their veneers slowly stripped down and they are alternately weird, ugly, frightening, and hilarious.It's an uncomfortable film to watch, especially the last third, but it's richly rewarding. The ending is plausible, appropriate, and heart-rending. Its sheer rawness is marvelous. A great ride.
cewasmuthiii
I watched this movie the other night and I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, you must be in the proper mood to enjoy a movie such as this. This movie centers around 2 lonely characters, man and woman, on a 'first' date at the woman's apartment. This movie is not too funny nor is it fast paced. The movie simply tries to flesh out each person's character for 90 minutes. This movie also led to some candid discussion between my fiancé and I, especially about the man's 'troubles' at the end of the film. We also discussed if there would be a 'second' date between them. The movie is steeped in realism and is shot very well. Worth a look if you're in the proper mood for a slow but interesting, character development story. 6 out of 10.
comintern17
this is a wonderfully emotional film with truly authentic characters and a gripping climax. exactly what film-making should be: two people in a room, an intro, a plot point, a midpoint, a second plot point and the outro where everything is the exact reverse from what it was in the beginning. a lesson in storytelling. naturally, the location is less than exciting, it literally all plays in a room, but then aren't these production limits exactly what seems to continuously spark enormous creativity? I watched this on charlie kaufman's recommendation (uh, from an interview), so take it from him. 10/10
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