I don’t know why it is that when actors turn to filmmaking, they invariably shoot for Fellini et al rather than just tell a story. Ryan Gosling’s first effort behind the camera is a nearly incomprehensible collage of David Lynch, Gaspar Noe, Terrence Malik, Dario Argento, and the actor’s Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn. There’s nothing wrong with imitating one’s influences; it’s how we learn.

Although Gosling’s ambition exceeds his current ability, there is some nice imagery among the wearisome weirdness, and other signs that one day he will make a good film. It’s just not this one. (95 min)