Watch Paradox

Paradox is a surreal and trippy movie that follows a band of outlaws, led by a character called The Man in the Black Hat (Neil Young), as they ride through the American West. Along for the journey are members of Young's band Promise of the Real, Lukas and Micah Nelson, who play their own characters named Jail Time and Tato respectively. The opening scene starts with a haunting rendition of Pocahontas by Young and sets the tone for the rest of the movie.

The storyline is not linear and jumps back and forth between scenes that feel like they're taking place in different eras. The characters seem to be living in a post-apocalyptic world in which technology has failed them and they must rely on their own physical abilities and the bond they share with their horses. The Man in the Black Hat is on a quest to find a specific person or place, but the reason for his mission is not immediately clear.

As the group rides through the wilderness, they encounter several bizarre characters, each with their own wisdom to impart. Some of them seem to exist only in the imagination of the characters, while others might actually be real. The surreal qualities of the film are enhanced by the dialogue, which often straddles the line between nonsensical and profound.

Interwoven into the journey are a few musical numbers that serve to break up the action and provide insight into the emotional states of the characters. The songs have a raw, live feel to them and showcase the talents of Young and the Nelson brothers.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from the horse named "Old Pinto," who has a significant role in the plot. The animal is given a sense of personality and intelligence that creates a bond between it and the characters, almost as if the horse is an extension of their own consciousness.

Paradox is a film that demands patience and an open mind. It's not a conventional narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Rather, it's a series of vignettes that create an immersive experience for viewers who are willing to let go of their expectations and embrace the weirdness. At its core, the movie is a meditation on the nature of reality and the interconnectedness of all things.

The cinematography is breathtaking, with shots of the American West that capture the vastness and beauty of the landscape. The colors are often muted, creating a dreamlike quality, while the use of handheld cameras gives the film a sense of immediacy and intimacy.

In terms of acting, the performances are understated and naturalistic, with Neil Young and the Nelson brothers shining in their roles. They bring a sense of authenticity to the film, as if they are playing versions of themselves rather than characters. The dialogue is improvised, which lends the film a sense of spontaneity and authenticity.

Overall, Paradox is a strange and wonderful film that will appeal to fans of experimental cinema and unconventional storytelling. It's a visual and auditory feast that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll. While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to take the plunge will be rewarded with a unique and unforgettable experience.

Paradox is a 2018 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.0 and a MetaScore of 29.