James Merendino's drama about a former male hustler and his dying ex-lover is a stylishly made melodrama that is perhaps a little too stylish.
Ultra-serious and attempting a near-operatic level of intensity, the film comes perilously close to camp. Theatrical prospects look limited, although the film looks too good to be seen on anything but the big screen.
Another plus is a very effective performance by Richard Chamberlain, playing a dandyish homosexual dying of AIDS. The film recently received its world premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival
Michael Imperioli, providing further evidence after "Sweet Nothing" that he has the makings of a major career, plays Allen, a struggling Los Angeles artist who is attempting to forget his past occupation "working the streets." His girlfriend, Eva (singer Ute Lemper) is a beautiful gallery owner who supports his career. One day, Thaddeus (Chamberlain), a former client of Allen's, shows up looking for a place to stay. Promising great financial rewards, he implores Allen to find Jamie (James Duval), another hustler, although he won't explain why.
Michael, torn between his feelings of compassion for Thaddeus and his revulsion at re-entering his old world, tries to comply and gets caught up in more than he bargained for. Ultimately, he must face a choice between his past and present lives, while Thaddeus makes a dramatic decision about his own condition.
Paul Marius' script leans a little heavily toward the baroque, which director Merendino emphasizes through his use of such stylistic devices as multiple dissolves, cross-cutting and extensive use of classical, especially choral, music. One gets the feeling that everyone involved is trying too hard -- except for Chamberlain, who wisely underplays his flamboyant character's mannerisms. His performance, which is quite moving, is one of the bigger rewards in a film that ultimately becomes undone by its pretensions.
RIVER MADE TO DROWN IN
Island Park Films
Director James Merendino
Screenplay Paul Marius
Producer Jon Powell
Director of photography Thomas Callaway
Editor Esther P. Russell
Color/stereo
Cast:
Thaddeus Richard Chamberlain
Allen Michael Imperioli
Eva Ute Lemper
Jaime James Duval
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Ultra-serious and attempting a near-operatic level of intensity, the film comes perilously close to camp. Theatrical prospects look limited, although the film looks too good to be seen on anything but the big screen.
Another plus is a very effective performance by Richard Chamberlain, playing a dandyish homosexual dying of AIDS. The film recently received its world premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival
Michael Imperioli, providing further evidence after "Sweet Nothing" that he has the makings of a major career, plays Allen, a struggling Los Angeles artist who is attempting to forget his past occupation "working the streets." His girlfriend, Eva (singer Ute Lemper) is a beautiful gallery owner who supports his career. One day, Thaddeus (Chamberlain), a former client of Allen's, shows up looking for a place to stay. Promising great financial rewards, he implores Allen to find Jamie (James Duval), another hustler, although he won't explain why.
Michael, torn between his feelings of compassion for Thaddeus and his revulsion at re-entering his old world, tries to comply and gets caught up in more than he bargained for. Ultimately, he must face a choice between his past and present lives, while Thaddeus makes a dramatic decision about his own condition.
Paul Marius' script leans a little heavily toward the baroque, which director Merendino emphasizes through his use of such stylistic devices as multiple dissolves, cross-cutting and extensive use of classical, especially choral, music. One gets the feeling that everyone involved is trying too hard -- except for Chamberlain, who wisely underplays his flamboyant character's mannerisms. His performance, which is quite moving, is one of the bigger rewards in a film that ultimately becomes undone by its pretensions.
RIVER MADE TO DROWN IN
Island Park Films
Director James Merendino
Screenplay Paul Marius
Producer Jon Powell
Director of photography Thomas Callaway
Editor Esther P. Russell
Color/stereo
Cast:
Thaddeus Richard Chamberlain
Allen Michael Imperioli
Eva Ute Lemper
Jaime James Duval
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 10/23/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.