(slight spoilers)Gerry could be nominated for 'The Most Boring Movie Ever Award' and it would have a fair chance of winning in this category. So, if you'd like to have yourself a nice popcorn-munching movie night, Gerry isn't your thing. Yet, it has a unique artistic merit, which is worth a patient watch for those who are into that kind of an experience.First of all, Sant abandons all Hollywood clichés that would make this movie an exciting survival story, and instead focuses on creating the atmosphere of getting lost and being destined to die.On a deeper level, I don't even think Gerry has an actual plot in the real world. I had to realize that literally nothing happens during the whole movie. The two characters don't have any meaningful conversation, the hiking has no point whatsoever, since all they do is walk in a certain direction for a while and then turn back. All along, it's just the two (?) guys and the endless desert, the long- long walking, the dust, the thirst. And the not too motivated struggle for their lives, which consists of climbing up and down, going here and there, kicking some rocks. They seem to give up before it's even started.In my opinion, what we see are no physical, but mental landscapes, no outer, but an inner journey. And not too guys, but only one, and he is Gerry. Trapped in the infinite prison of his own deserted mind and lost identity.The scenes often show the two Gerrys as the reflection, duplicate or shadow of each other. Sometimes, only one of them can be seen, as if he were alone (he is).I don't think the movie is an allegory that can be directly translated to the inner struggling of a man, it rather transmits a feeling similar to that struggle. Because if you're lost in the desert, even knowing what to look for is hard. Should it be water, or high lands? East, west, north, south? No directions, nothing that could feed the spirit of life and assure you that your trying has any point. Exactly what I feel these days, looking for the right track.I have no sensible explanation for the ending or why it is so important to split Gerry into two characters. All I have is impressions, but good ones. Sant is trying to grasp something that is difficult to express and is brave to do that despite all natural demands of the viewer.

About ten years ago, I went to a small independent movie theater on the North side of Chicago. I saw a film that was made on a tiny budget with two actors and some extras. Gerry is about two nameless guys played by Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. They park their cars along a road to see a historic monument thinking they'll only be gone an hour or so. Being in the moment and having an overanxious way about them, they don't bother to bring any food and water. They also follow a worn out trail which causes them to be lost in a vast desert wasteland with no shelter in sight. Reflecting on Gerry 10 years later, it reminded of a few films that came before and after its release. Part Blair Witch Project (1999) and part Open Water (2005), it's an exercise that effectively relies on minimal movie resources to create real tension and fear.There are critics that have deemed it slow and polarizing. I found it effective because the stars are real life friends who's chemistry is evident throughout the film's entire length. As they try to find water and civilization, time is running out. You get so involved with their plight that you're right there with them every step of the way. The movie's only low point could possibly be the ending. It drags on and toys with the audience. It could have used a little editing. However, the ride to get there is worth it.The film was directed by Gus Van Sant. With films like Good Will Hunting (1997) and Drugstore Cowboy (1989), in 2002 this was a complete different turn from what he had done before. I'd call him "Guts" Van Sant for making something this risky. He's pulls it off. With a hauntingly beautiful music score and breathtaking cinematography, Gerry is a small gem of a film. Oh and about the title, you'll just have to see the movie yourself to find out.

Gerry will not be for everyone... although that's a pretty big understatement. It moves at a snail's pace, it has a very minimal plot, it has very few editing choices... and all of that is exactly the type of film that appeals to me. Both of the leads are pretty strong, although Affleck considerably moreso. He's a very talented performer who's always filled with the inside of his character and who's naturalism is a benefit in all of his films. He's the reason I sought this out and I was not disappointed. I'm not too familiar with Gus Van Sant's work besides Milk, but his directing is key here. This is a pretty strong film all around, despite there being so little.

A friendship between two young men (Casey Affleck and Matt Damon) is tested when they go for a hike in a desert and forget to bring any water or food with them.This film reunites Damon and director Gus VanSant, who were amazing together for "Good Will Hunting". It also features a strong friendship between an Affleck and a Damon... but not the usual Affleck. Of course, they had also starred together a year before in "Ocean's Eleven". That these two knew each other so well in real life could only have added to the affinity in the film.Oddly, the tumbleweed scene was inspired by "Tomb Raider". One would not expect much inspiration for a story about two friends wandering and talking about nothing in particular (including "Wheel of Fortune"), but of all things a part was brought to screen by VanSant after seeing (and possibly playing) Lara Croft.