Rank: 2 out of 5
This movie suffers one of the worst fates: mis-marketing. It is classified as a comedy which misleads the viewer and makes it far worse than what it would be if it were marketed as a true melodrama. As a drama, it makes a poignant statement about the seductive, calculated world of crime we're generally presented versus the reality of Joe Blow attempting such. It also shows an uplifting story of a female sheriff who puts her husband and happy marriage before her job while managing to still be efficient and successful in her career--note the movie's last scene.
I think truly funny comedy comes from drama. I laugh more at stuff House says in the face of a bad situation than I do at anything on Two and a Half Men. That said, the situations in this movie make me laugh. I watched it again and the neighbor that tells the sheriff deputy about Buscimi's character looking for hookers cracked me up. "So, when I heard about the murders, I thought I'd report it. End of story". Then they talk about the weather. Cracks me up.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the level of underacting required in the movie was impressive. People are shown as they act in real life. The Sheriff's husband hardly blinks. When a deputy interrupts their breakfast, he barely nods and doesn't look at his face. People throughout don't move their heads and don't use expressive facial movements. Just like real life. It also makes the shuck and jive of Macy's character stand out so much both as a car dealer (his emoting makes him more trustworthy to buyers) and as someone with something to hide. He sticks out like a sore thumb.
I dunno. I really like it.
Ugh. Im my quote I typed in the word *pause* but used < around it and it deleted it. Should read:
ReplyDelete"So, when I heard about the murders, I thought I'd report it. *pause* End of story".
No doubt this should have won best picture of 1996. And if it matters, it was one of Gene Siskel's faves. Carl is my favorite character and it is crazy Buscemi wasn't nomintated. I've often wondered why Jean jumped out of the shower at the point she did, though and I want Scotty's Polka poster...not really. Careful viewers will notice the guy who got shot from the upside down car is just a symbol in the credits, like Prince or something. I love this movie. But it could have been a lot smoother for the bad guys if they had just ditched the Siera, taken the truck, and it would have been a cold case with the murderer's car on the road. It would have looked like a stolen car so Jerry would be clear.
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