Director Andrew Bujalski’s Computer Chess (2013) is one of the best and cleverest (not always the same thing) American indies I’ve seen in some time. Recently released on DVD it’s shot (mostly) on antiquated B & W video and takes place in the visually and conceptually murky universe of the cusp of the 1980s. (characters in the film speak about the actual 1984 arriving before long…) I’m afraid I still have clear memories of this era, and the period speech, dress, and set design is right on target. And the targets in this context include tech nerds working on early behemoth computers at a distinctly unglitzy chess tournament set in a nondescript motel. At the same time, a 1970s-style couples “encounter group” is meeting as well. You can imagine the fun that ensues…I’ve been underwhelmed by Bujalski’s previous no-budget mumblecore filmmaking, with the possible exception of 2009’s Beeswax, which had some good moments, but Computer Chess is a stylish triumph about introverted characters lacking any visual style.
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