"The Cool Surface"- 

This was the first RP movie I saw (not counting T2). I saw it 
because I had heard it was good in a psychological sense - 
which is the reason I liked Kalifornia. 

This is one of those movies that intentionally leaves bases 
uncovered, giving the viewer the chance to fill in the gaps 
with their own theories and ideas. 

Here's the basic plot: RP plays Jarvis Scott, a writer who has 
lately been unable to sell his story ideas because they are 
"too real." They are too depressing to appeal to the public. 

Actually, this character is in pretty much the same predicament 
as Mickey Dane (see Body Shot). These two movies have a lot in 
common and yet they are completely different. Both have a main 
character named Danielle. Both have at least two steamy love 
scenes and one bout of foreplay that is cut off when the 
characters are rudely interrupted. And as I said, RP's 
characters - or at least their situations - are similar.

The big difference is in the end of the movies so, of course, 
I can't tell you what that difference is. I'll just say that 
despite outward similarities, Jarvis is the exact opposite of 
Mickey Dane.

At one point, Jarvis writes a love scene between him and Dani 
(the name *this* Danielle goes by). Men are not typically 
romance-novel writers. When you see this scene you'll know why.
Despite the few horrible lines of dialogue, this is a good 
movie. But for the love of all that is holy, *do not* pay 
attention to the music! I got the main theme stuck in my head 
for about 24 hours straight and I wanted to shoot myself! 

This movie is not for people who don't like surprises and 
endings that are not necessarily...how shall I put this?...
happy.

~Diandra Hollman