Review of “Nick And Norah’s Infinite Playlist” by Nick Chen

Last Updated: 8 December 2009 231 views No Comment Posted by: B-Side Empire

This film is based on a book, much in the same way Edvard Munch’s “The Scream’ was inspired by a sunset. The plot is both empty and complicated, and it’s too easy to suspect the book the film was based upon was actually a teenager’s diary. But that’s what they’d want you to think, surely. The plot revolves around Nick (Michael Cera) pretending to be the boyfriend of Norah (Kat Dennings) so that she can avoid being bullied by Tris (Alexis Dziena), who coincidentally is Nick’s ex-girlfriend. Oh, and did I mention that Norah picked up Nick’s mixtapes out of the bin without realising they’re the same person? Well, the plot’s unimportant, especially as it’s unapologetically feel-good and only cares about making you love life so much that you make mixtapes for everyone you care about. It made me smile a little bit, which is all that matters if you’re having a slight existential crisis, so I made myself a mixtape.

In fact, the plot’s predictability is its strength. From the opening scene, I guessed the final image would be Nick and Norah kissing on an escalator, and I patted myself on the back because of this. Undoubtedly, the funniest moment happens after 46 minutes when a confused character asks, “Who we’re talking about?” as if the film is making fun of its own terrible plot. At that point you realise that the experience of watching the film is tainted by the feeling that there is no film, and you’re in a bar eavesdropping on the table behind you whilst your friend buys a drink. Is that a film, or did I dream I didn’t sleep again last night? Did I actually watch this film, or was I lying the whole time?

If there’s one thing I gained from the film is that mixtapes are fun to compile:

Here’s the official soundtrack for the film:

1. “Speed of Sound” by Chris Bell
2. “Electro-Socket Blues” by Rogue Wave
3. “Middle Management” by Bishop Allen
4. “Ottoman” by Vampire Weekend
5. “Riot Radio” by The Dead 60s
6. “Fever” by Takka Takka
7. “Xavia” by The Submarines
8. “After Hours” by We Are Scientists
9. “Our Swords” by Band of Horses
10. “Silvery Sleds” by Army Navy
11. “Baby You’re My Light” by Richard Hawley
12. “Very Loud” by Shout Out Louds
13. “How to Say Goodbye” by Paul Tiernan
14. “Last Words” by The Real Tuesday Weld
15. “Nick & Norah’s Theme” by Mark Mothersbaugh

And more importantly, this is Nick’s infinite playlist:

1. “Who Could Win A Rabbit” by Animal Collective
2. “Rattled By The Rush” by Pavement
3. “Voltaic Crusher/Undrum To Muted Da” by Of Montreal
4. “Carnival” by The Cardigans
5. “Only Feelgood” by Pony Up!
6. “New Caves” by Deep Sea Diver
7. “Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands” by Elliott Smith
8. “Like A Call” by Architecture In Helsinki
9. “Straight Outta Compton” by NWA
10. “Start Choppin’” by Dinosaur Jr.
11. “Winona” by The Drop Nineteens
12. “All My Little Words” by The Magnetic Fields
13. “Three Hopeful Thoughts” by Rilo Kiley
14. “Walk Through A Cloud” by The Donkeys
15. “Breathless” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
16. “How Long Has This Been Going On” by Julie London
17. “On Your Own Again” by Scott Walker