 |
| Ethan Hawke gives an outstanding performance. |
Directed by Richard Linklater
Produced by Alexis Alexanian, Anne Walker-McBay, and Gary Winick
Written by Stephen Belber (play/screenplay)
Starring Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and Uma Thurman
****
Linklater's little-seen film is a powerhouse independent vehicle with strong performances across the board. Tucked away in a motel room in Lansing, Michigan, volunteer firefighter and drug dealer Vincent (Hawke) is awaiting the arrival of his longtime friend Jon (Leonard), a director whose film is playing at the local festival the following day. They catch up when Jon arrives, but the atmosphere quickly changes when Vincent coaxes Jon into a high school date rape confession and reveals that he's just recorded their conversation. On top of that, Vincent announces that Amy (Thurman), his and Jon's ex-girlfriend (and Jon's alleged victim), will soon be coming over. Jon tries to reason with Vincent until Amy arrives. Then it's a free-for-all, as the three try to put an end to all of their problems that started ten years earlier in high school. A nasty situation to be sure, but the performers are up to the task.
Wow. This film was extraordinary. Despite the extremely thin budget (this was made even cheaper than Once was), the film features a great screenplay, adapted from a smart play no less. Linklater is great with actors, and he uses them to sell the film, incorporating many cuts and several interesting shots into the mix for good measure. Speaking of the actors, Ethan Hawke deserved an Oscar nod in 2001. Not the supporting one he received for Training Day, but a lead one for his electrifying performance in this. From popping two beers open at the beginning to salvaging his drugs at the end, Hawke never misses a beat, giving one of the finest performances of the last decade. He somehow manages to show off without being disingenuous, with his ticks, mannerisms, charm, recklessness, deviousness, confusion, and vulnerability fleshing out his character. He's simply phenomenal. And Uma Thurman is wonderful in her supporting role, as her entrance kicks the film up a notch. Robert Sean Leonard may not have the showiness of the other two characters, but he also gives a terrific performance. In addition, the entire film takes place in a motel room, which increases the tension in every scene. We're confined, just like the characters, and it works so well. This is an overlooked film that begs to be seen, and I highly recommend that you do so.
Wow. This film was extraordinary. Despite the extremely thin budget (this was made even cheaper than Once was), the film features a great screenplay, adapted from a smart play no less. Linklater is great with actors, and he uses them to sell the film, incorporating many cuts and several interesting shots into the mix for good measure. Speaking of the actors, Ethan Hawke deserved an Oscar nod in 2001. Not the supporting one he received for Training Day, but a lead one for his electrifying performance in this. From popping two beers open at the beginning to salvaging his drugs at the end, Hawke never misses a beat, giving one of the finest performances of the last decade. He somehow manages to show off without being disingenuous, with his ticks, mannerisms, charm, recklessness, deviousness, confusion, and vulnerability fleshing out his character. He's simply phenomenal. And Uma Thurman is wonderful in her supporting role, as her entrance kicks the film up a notch. Robert Sean Leonard may not have the showiness of the other two characters, but he also gives a terrific performance. In addition, the entire film takes place in a motel room, which increases the tension in every scene. We're confined, just like the characters, and it works so well. This is an overlooked film that begs to be seen, and I highly recommend that you do so.
Oscar Tally: None
No comments:
Post a Comment