Unveiling Oakland's Eclectic Spirit: A Review of Freaky Tales
By Gabriel Rivera
Published January 19, 2024
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck's latest film, Freaky Tales, delves into the diverse subcultures of Oakland, spotlighting the city's vibrant spirit against the backdrop of the hit song 'Freaky Tales' by Too $hort. The anthology intertwines four tales connected by unfolding events and a mysterious supernatural emerald glow that permeates the city. However, while the film excels in capturing the gritty visuals and soundtrack of 1987 Oakland, it struggles to seamlessly weave these stories into a cohesive whole.
Unraveling the Anthology
The film opens with 'The Gilman Strikes Back,' portraying the story of young punks Tina and Lucid fighting back against violent Nazi skinheads who attack their underground venue. It then transitions to 'Don't Fight the Feeling,' following best friends and rap duo Barbie and Entice as they navigate harassment and pursue rap stardom. 'Born to Mack' unfolds the tale of Clint, a henchman seeking redemption, and 'The Legend of Sleepy Floyd' reimagines the record-setting playoff quarter by Golden State Warrior Floyd against the L.A. Lakers.
A Quest for Coherence
While the film strives to capture the revolutionary spirit of Oakland and the themes of resistance and empowerment, these elements feel underdeveloped and lack nuance. The narrative struggles to interweave the diverse stories, resulting in a disjointed experience. The enigmatic emerald glow that hovers over Oakland throughout the film remains ambiguous, seemingly symbolizing the city's eclectic and mystical energy. However, its meaning and significance remain open to interpretation, leaving audiences questioning its relevance.
Visual Immersion and Performances
Freaky Tales successfully immerses the audience in the late 80s setting of Oakland through its gritty visuals, bold makeup, inclusive soundtrack, and grainy footage reminiscent of grindhouse films. Despite its stylish presentation, the film falls short in narrative substance. However, the magnetic performances by the star-studded cast, particularly Pedro Pascal's portrayal of a conflicted man torn between his past and family, elevate the film and inject it with charisma and depth.
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