The latest from acclaimed and controversial director [redacted], making it the first Secret Fest movie this year worthy of being a secret. Unfortunately, it’s an utter and complete mess, showing neither the restraint of his last feature nor the control of his most famous, both of which are masterpieces. In other words, it’s like most of his other films. (Figure it out yet?) This thing is going to get shredded when it’s released, and deservingly. Why the high(ish) grade? Not having a marketing campaign to guide my response, I had absolutely no idea what it was about or what was going to happen, making the weird 180-degree plot turn a half-hour in legitimately surprising. Unfortunately, that’s when it gets stoopid. (Don’t worry – this twist will be the focal point of the ad campaign.) Still full of interesting bits and stylized shots, though, and an absolutely gorgeous title sequence.
Where we saw it: film | We deign to rate it: outta 100Yup, I'm right about this one, aren't I? Too bad, too; his last pic was one of his best.
Posted by: Scott at June 9, 2004 01:46 PMWhat you've described sounds a lot like Abel Ferrara... but since he's got nothing slated to come out until 2005, that can't be it. I'll keep thinkin'.
Posted by: Steve at June 9, 2004 08:01 PMActually, thinking about it, I'd say that his last pic *definitely* is his best work, although most people think that his best film came about fifteen years ago.
Posted by: Scott at June 10, 2004 05:03 PMI would agree with the above statement.
Posted by: Steve at June 10, 2004 05:52 PM