An Oversimplification of Her Beauty

A poetic digression in An Oversimplification of Her Beauty

Terence Nance's An Oversimplification of Her Beauty, from 2013, is delightful mix of postmodern structure and romantic ache. The arch academic tone of the narration cannot erase the visual splendor of youthful passion. The multiple narrators hint at a world where love is chimerical and there are infinite variations on the theme.

Nance juxtaposes two versions of his film by pausing and popping in and out different VHS tapes. Form dictates the shape of content and Nance's poetic digressions are portrayed by animation. The score by Flying Lotus tickles the synapses and helps Nance avoid art house cliches. The film always threatens to topple over into solipsism, but its bold stylishness engages the senses.