Purely Joyful Movie!

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Good concept, poorly executed.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Spiral was written by actor Joel David Moore and Jeremy Danial Boring, which is funny because it's hard to see how this film could be any Moore Boring (badum-tish!).Moore stars as socially awkward, neurotic, tooth chomping, jazz loving, asthmatic insurance salesman Mason, whose hobby is obsessively sketching and painting pretty girls. When attractive new co-worker Amber (Amber Tamblyn) takes an interest in his art, the pair develop an unlikely friendship (Very, VERY unlikely, given how bloody insufferable Mason is) which leads to Amber posing for a series of paintings, before ultimately hopping into the sack with the weirdo (sh'yeah right). However, when Amber discovers Mason's previous sketch-books of other girls hidden in his bedroom drawer, she begins to suspect that there is something seriously wrong with her new pal (something that the rest of us probably suspected from the beginning!).Co-directed by Moore and creator of the Hatchet trilogy Adam Green, the majority of Spiral moves at a snail's pace, with the dreary, unbelievable action accompanied by a discordant jazz soundtrack that only serves to irritate further. While I admire Green for attempting something a little different, the slow burn style employed here is hard to endure, particularly when combined with such an unappealing central character. A weak Shyalaman style twist ending, in which Mason's womanising boss and only friend Berkeley (Zachary Levi) realises with shock that Mason is not only delusional but dangerous, does little to redeem the movie.

Call center worker by day, sensitive painter by night, Mason (Joel David Moore) is not all there. He has had emotional breakdowns many times in recent years... but now he has met Amber (Amber Tamblyn) and things seem to be looking up. Can he hold himself together? Moore breaks out here. As both director and star, he strays away from the silly, nerdy, dorky guy roles we know him from. Here he is edgier, manic, violent at times... he strays into acting territory that should earn him attention from bigger names, maybe put him on a path towards Oscar.Amber Tamblyn is a beautiful model, and perfect for the artwork featured here. The script is intelligent, with great insight into art, the idea of contrast and the construction of jazz music being harmony from discord. I'm sure there are deeper messages than I was able to pick up, but the writer gave this psychological thriller a smart wit and makes it a cut above the rest.What is Adam Green's role in this film? He is listed as co-director, but this is clearly Moore's baby. I suspect Green was more of a support for Moore, helping him with technical stuff and boosting recognition for this one in the horror community... but I shouldn't assume.As of this review, the film has been out three years with little buzz. Let me make some buzz right now: this is a film that you will love if you like thinking, mindbending films... some parts are deliciously ambiguous.

The asthmatic aspirant painter Mason (Joel David Moore) is a lonely and outcast employee of the JZD & J Insurance that is haunted by dreadful nightmares of women. His supervisor and only friend Berkeley (Zachary Levi) tries to approach to him but Mason remains reclusive and alone. He is befriended in the lunchtime by the new employee Amber (Amber Tamblyn) and a couple of days later they date and Mason begins to paint her. On the Christmas Eve, they make love and on the next morning, Amber finds his blocks of identical drafts of different women in his drawer. When Mason discovers that Amber has broken his rule that she could never see his sketch before the painting is ready, he has a violent argument with her. On the next morning, Mason comes to the company and tells Berkeley that he killed his girlfriend, and Berkeley discloses and finds secrets about his strange friend."Spiral" is a low-budget movie supported by a great screenplay with surprising twists; excellent direction of Adam Green and Joel Moore; and magnificent performances of Joel David Moore, Amber Tamblyn and Zachary Levi. The weird character Mason slightly recalls the deranged May, but the plot is ambiguous in "Spiral": I understand that Mason killed all the girls that Berkeley believed were imaginary but it is never clear whether Amber was his first actual victim and the others fruit of his damaged mind or all of them were real. My vote is eight.Title (Brazil): "Círculo do Pânico" ("Circle of the Panic")

I am told this flick was a low budget film by beginners in the flickery trade. I am pleased to say, I enjoyed this movie from start to finish. It is unusual, creative, provocative and in a sense mystical.I think in a few more films the actors and screen writers will be some people Un Hollywood will fear.Why? Because rather than appeal to the imbeciles and the lowest common denominator film gawks, they did a piece of art here. Yes, art that will make some people more thoughtful. The story is NOT to be taken literally! It is after all a metaphor.You'll enjoy the brilliant casting and yes, acting. Hollywood has wasted millions on trash and here is a low budget pearl.So I won't spoil the plot or attempt to tell the story to you. It is worth a watch as a DVD purchased at a bargain or a rent. I now own mine.Thanks to the youngsters who produced this one, it is a thought provoker.