Tape (2001) - Synopsis
Directed by Richard Linklater and based on the stage play of the same title by Stephen Belber, Tape (2001) is an intriguing exploration of how an event, and it's recollection, still plays an active role between two high school friends when they meet up ten years after graduation. John, a first-time filmmaker, finds himself in Lansing, Michigan to present his film at a local film festival. Vince, his high school friend who is now a volunteer fireman and small-time drug dealer, also visits the town to support John on his big day, or so it seems. After a raucous hello and much backslapping, it appears that there is an undercurrent of tension in the air.
As the conversation degenerates into verbal sparring, it becomes clear that Vince has spent the last decade nursing his resentment over the fact that John more-or-less stole his girlfriend Amy at the end of their senior year. Though he points out that they've had this discussion numerous times over the years since graduation, John again admits that he's not proud of how things worked out at that time, but counsels Vince to move on with his life just as he has. Unsatisfied with John's answers to his persistent questioning, Vince accuses John of having date-raped Amy on that one fateful night ten years ago. Shocked at the charge, John sputters his denials but Vince's persistent verbal attacks finally goad him into admitting that he actually did rape Amy that night. Now triumphant, Vince confesses that he has...
