Is A Matter of Style Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1976)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Modern Cinema cinema, the 1976 release of A Matter of Style stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into An epic tale of the last of the long lost soul masters, charging it with the grace and style that made them legends. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "An epic tale of the last of the long lost soul masters, charging it with the grace and style that made them legends. Rubberman Larry Bertlemann is at his peak. Nineteen year old Shaun Tomson controlling Off the Wall, Backdoor, and radical backside at Pipe, and monster New Zealand in the swell of 1974. Terry Fitzgerald sets V-Land on fire. Gerry Lopez and Rory Russel are annointed King and Prince of Pipeline, while the Aussies, bronzed and otherwise, dare assault their rule. Plus classic Malibu, Trestles, Baja, Blacks, and Honalua."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Gerry Lopez, the performance in A Matter of Style feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Steve Soderberg is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 82 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is A Matter of Style truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, A Matter of Style explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1976 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Steve Soderberg respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, A Matter of Style is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Gerry Lopez or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, A Matter of Style is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.