How To Talk To Girls At Parties

John Cameron Mitchell’s 2017 film “How to Talk to Girls at Parties” adapts Gaiman’s 2006 short story of the same name. The story follows two young men, Enn (Alex Sharp) and Vic (Abraham Lewis), who go in search of a party. Joining them in the film adaptation is John (Ethan Lawrence), another friend of Enn’s. Enn envies Vic’s experience with women, but they both gradually learn that the exchange students are more than they seem. Unlike the original short story, in which the young women were otherworldly aliens or the embodiment of a dying civilization’s final poem, the characters in the film are somewhat more grounded in reality – at least the reality of sci-fi. In this story, they visit the local punk hangout run by Queen Boadicea (Nicole Kidman) and meet aliens including Zan (Elle Fanning), PT Stella (Ruth Wilson), PT Wain (Matt Lucas), PT First (Edward Petherbridge), and more. While this shows the influence of the story, it loses much of the poetic ambiguity. Effective for a film, perhaps, but not as haunting as Gaiman’s original. The film is the second adaptation of Gaiman’s work after the Dark Horse graphic novel with art by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá.Bonus features on the Blu-ray include an audio commentary from director John Cameron Mitchell with stars Elle Fanning and Alex Sharp, a making-of featurette, and deleted scenes. As an adaptation, this more resembles earlier films based on Gaiman’s work like “Neverwhere” rather than subsequent works, “Coraline” or “Good Omens.” Even “Neverwhere” managed to keep a sense of wonder, however, while this feels at times more like a student film with a good budget or a work from the mid-2000s.

How To Talk To Girls At Parties is a Punk Sci-Fi romantic-comedy if that makes any sense. It starts off with ’77 Punk in England in all its rebellious glory and then Alex Sharp meets Elle Fanning who is part of a weirdo cult. She wants to experience “The Punk.” Then it goes WAY out there. In the process the story turns into science fiction. To say this movie was unexpected would be an understatement. Added to the mix are Nicole Kidman as a Punk mom and Ruth Wilson and Matt Lucas as part of the cult. It’s really a one of a kind film.

Not really sure how to classify this film... but I'm an older guy who grew up with punk, new age music, R&R and experimental waves of psychedelics. That's kinda' how this movie plays out while still being perfectly sober. I watched 'Please Stand By' with Dakota Fanning last night, and tonight I'm watching her younger sister star in this movie. Two very different films. Review: A definite work of love by all involved. Everyone seems to invest 100% of their talents in this movie. Even Nicole Kidman who shows up sporadically throughout the entire thing. The script, which is somewhat of a visceral vehicle for the young at heart, pulls you through some of the madness that might leave a few of you wondering, "What the hell did I just watch???" But it is still a fun journey while you're on the ride, and you'll only stop off to have an occasional 'Stanley Kubrick' burger on your way to the finish line. The acting was definitely there and I loved the music throughout. So in a nut-shell, no pun intended, this is a decent movie to watch. I'm giving it four stars mainly for the acting and music. You can figure the rest out on your own.... Give it a watch... or I swear, I'll eat you alive while you're sleeping.........

I went into this not knowing anything about it. All I knew was the setting was British 70s punk era and I'm in. I was a budding punk at this time, so I knew I'd enjoy the music and wardrobe, at the very least.What an amazing surprise. I LOVED this movie and I think I am going to end up purchasing it on DVD, I loved it *that* much. Yes, I cried at the end.Such a FUN movie...silly, irreverent, unconventional, colorful and magick. Beautiful, on top of it all.This is NOT a movie "just for teens." If you lived during this period, you are over 50yo...if you still have the music magick and power in your soul...give this a shot. Lovely.

dude, OF COURSE critics didnt like this movie: it challenges cinema in weird, quirksome ways, with nods to punk, and dance, and singing. admittedly it's doesnt always work, but it has more courage than anything else I've seen in a long time, and that is amazing. to read 'rotten tomatoes' they trivialize it's attempts as 'ambitious' before dumping on it as 'unresolved' with 'disparate plot-lines'.that's probably true, and those same sensibilities, were this a play in NYC would make it well received.a one star review called it weird and cult-like as if those were bad things.I always have something on in the background when I'm painting, and I stopped to watch this, which is seldom the case.respect. and bravo to the courage to stand up to super tedious formulaic plot twists. it's not an A+, but i'm giving it one

I have to say this is one of the most wonderful films I've seen in years. It's like a living breathing film and the viewer gets to experience a part of its life and emotions in their own unique way that it relates to them in their life. Highly relatable feelings from such unconventional and unique expressive characters. The acting in the film is top notch and immersive. Cheers to those who are open enough to let this film in and move them. Much love to everyone who was involved with creating this masterpiece! :)

Bizarrely endearing. The two leads have great chemistry and Nicole Kidman's performance is insanely enjoyable. I'm not even sure that I understand the whole story behind the tourists but the core love story is all you need. Just stick with it when you feel like it's going off the rails. Elle Fanning and Alex Sharp will make it worth the watch and John Cameron Mitchell does a great job directing. Just my opinion.

Off the mainstream screen, if you are a fan of Neil Gaiman, the dark, the weird, and the different, you will love this film. It's full of punk and maybe scenes that will make you say, "What the "F" is going on?" I have to say, it's was refreshing and free compared to the predictable films in mainstream media. Loved it!

I’ve like this film since I first seen it , it’s not on the tv often but is a film you can watch a few times , Nicole Kidman plays one of her best characters the muse is great if you like 70s punk

A neat story which is (mostly) well presented & acted but doesn't really have enough to sustain its run time. The central romance is not very believable but the peripheral characters make up for it, and there's lots of inventiveness and charm.

Great film DVD excellent condition

I loved some of the characters and while I like Elle Fanning generally, I didn't feel she was great in this film but that might be the writer's fault.

I've seen 35 movies with Elle Fanning. There she plays a pretty little or adult girl. All these films are very interesting, except for a few. This movie is also very good.