This World, Then the Fireworks (1997) User Reviews

Filled with characters who could be from any Jim Thompson novel .....

[PimpinAinttEasy · 6/10 · 2 June 2016]

Dear Noir Fans,

I bet you haven't heard of this one. An incestuous brother sister duo (Billy Zane and Gina Gershon) wrecks havoc in a small town. It is based on a Jim Thompson novel (one which I have not read). The characters could be from any Thompson novel - sex crazed, morally corrupt, vulgar and living purely on impulse. I personally think Jim Thompson is one of the worst crime fiction writers ever. But some of the one liners were remarkable. But they were too few and far between. Apart from two or three stellar scenes, it is all very flimsy. But the director was clearly aiming for style and sleaze. The beautiful smoky visuals. The elaborate set pieces. Sweaty sex scenes. It is definitely worth checking out. Billy Zane and Gina Gershon were awful. Sheryl Lee was great eye candy as a needy and sex crazed policewoman. It is worth checking out for the visuals and jazz soundtrack.

Best Regards, Pimpin.

(6/10)

Where's the graphic novel?

[allengaryk-2 · 4/10 · 23 May 2004]

This movie has a consistent "comic book" style throughout, even though its story is dark, erotic and sadistically violent. Although the presentation may be something that would appeal to 12-year-old boys (revenge fantasies played out for real, escape from punishment, domination of parents), the world it depicts is an adults-only one, with its frequent bare breasts, sadomasochistic sex scenes, mangled flesh of torture victims, and religious rants. The over-the-top acting is not a result of an incapable cast, but a directorial choice, one based on the idea that any frame could serve as a silent film style "tableau". The movie's art production is nicely done (think of "The Phantom" or "The Shadow" crossed with "The Untouchables"), but it's easy to see why this film never found an audience.

Sin City, Pulp Fiction, and this film.

[lastliberal · 6/10 · 7 April 2008]

If you like neo-noir, or the real thing from the fifties, then this film is for you. The look and feel of a fifties classic is all over this film from the cinematography to the music to the narration.

It is a story about a totally dysfunctional family. The children witnessed their father killed while shagging the cop's wife from across the street. Mom didn't seem to mind, but then she was wacko, too. Why do people play in their own back yard? The kids grow up totally weird as expected. Gina Gershon (Bound) plays the sister, who left a rich husband to become a prostitute. She had that classic look of the Fifties - white skin and the full pouty lips. Style the hair right and she could be Ava Gardner. Is there something going on with her brother (Billy Zane) that is more than brotherly love. That is for you to figure out.

Sheryl Lee ("Twin Peaks", Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, John Carpenter's Vampires) can always be counted upon to present skintastic moments in her films. She comes through here as a sex-crazed cop who hooks up with the brother.

Lots of death, of course, as that is the rule for noir, and lots of passionate and sexy moments. An entertaining Fifties film presented as they never could in the Fifties.

You are wrong, Poochie.

[monkeydeux · 31 March 2000]

It was great. The opening scenes alone were brilliant. The children's interrupted birthday party. The voice-over about it all being funnier than Kozmic Kat. Rue McClanahan standing there laughing her head off, scarred by fragments of the dead man's skull. Dark and perverse. Gina Gershon and Billy Zane couldn't have been more perfectly cast as twins.

Wretched ........

[merklekranz · 1/10 · 31 January 2014]

Zero entertainment value would be the best way to describe this wretched film. Billy Zane is a strutting ass, so pompous and unlikable that you will immediately be disgusted. His religious rants make no sense as does the entire movie. Equally unlikable is his twin sister, Gina Gershon, who portrays a street trollop with no scruples. Both are so stuck on themselves and each other that they are two of the most boorish characters I've ever seen on the screen. Constant voice overs only add to the train wreck of a script, which is basically unwatchable. This movie is a real turn off, and most definitely should be avoided. - MERK

Uhm...I liked the music and the cosutumes..and Rue Mc Clanahan

[Poochie · 1/10 · 30 December 1998]

I haven't seen a movie this dreadful in a while. I was drawn to it because I like Gina Gershon, but that wasn't enough to keep me interested. Each performance was exceptionally awful except for Rue Mc Clanahan who breathed a breath of life into each brief scene she appeared in. Sheryl Lee should kill whoever made up her face in this film. In fact everyone was photographed so unflatteringly. The opening credits were kinda cool. Then the rest of the film happened. Bleecchh!!!

What a disappointment of a movie!

[wayne-2 · 2/10 · 29 September 2001]

I usually like Billy Zanes' work. In my opinion, this movie is probably the worst BZ movie I have seen. I tried to like this movie, but I didn't. I found it disjointed and hard to follow. I wasn't sure what the point was. Some people have commented on the cinematography. I thought it was poor at best. All in all, I was completely disappointed in every aspect of this picture.

Brilliant Period Piece

[FlickJunkie-2 · 7/10 · 1 April 2000]

This is not a film for everyone. It is dark, sultry, twisted and self indulgent, and that doesn’t have mass appeal nowadays unless Quentin Tarantino is directing and people are shooting each other in the face. It is, however, a terrific piece of filmmaking and as a fifties period piece it is surpassed only by films actually made in the fifties.

It is the story of brother and sister twins who were traumatized as children and turn out quite screwed up as adults. There is the ever present hint of incest looming in their relationship and they are both prone to lascivious escapades. The story serves up a slice of their lustfully demented lives together.

You almost have to be over 50 to appreciate this movie or be someone who likes old black and white films from that era. Director Michael Oblowitz has recreated not just the look, but the feel of the period. Tom Priestly, who went on to be the cinematographer on “The Thomas Crown Affair” did a fantastic job with filters and lighting to give the film an authentic fifties feel. The sets, props, costumes and music were all meticulously accurate. The use of a first person narrative (the story was narrated by Marty [Billy Zane]) was a very popular device in 40’s and 50’s films (think Humphrey Bogart).

Unfortunately, the film was more form than substance since the story was a just meandering film noir libido ride. Still, for fifties nostalgia buffs, this is a treat.

Gina Gershon was fabulous as Carol. She was sexy, seductive, and lewd while simultaneously being vulnerable and fragile. I can’t remember seeing her in a role better suited to her talents, nor can I remember her giving a better performance. Billy Zane was really wrong for this part. His acting was fine, but it failed to capture the character considering the context of the period. Men of this period were known for their strength and impassive response to almost everything. Naturally this would always lead to a great scene marked by a fit of anger somewhere in the film as the pressure became too great for him to bear. Zane was too mercurial in his portrayal of this character. He had the male sex thing down, but he came across as shrill and defensive in a lot of scenes, very un-fifties.

Sheryl Lee gave a terrific performance as Lois, the sex crazed lady cop who becomes obsessed with Marty. We may never hear from her again, but for one film she grabbed the spotlight and ran with it. She was so desperately needy and shameless in her appetite for Marty that it seemed she couldn’t live unless she was breathing the air he just exhaled.

I gave this film a 7/10. It is a 10 as far as filmmaking and period authenticity and the story was about a 5. If you like film noir, unabashed lust and the fifties, this movie is a must see.

An interesting overlooked movie,worth a rental anyway!

[Doc_Who · 5/10 · 26 January 2000]

This movie is moslty overlooked at most video shelfs. They tend to place this movie in action. What this movie is a dark, thriller about two twins who are very good at being very bad. They later learn that they need each other to be able to live. The twins are played by Billy Zane(Titanic,Dead Calm,The Phantom) and Gina Gershon(Face/Off). Also along for the ride are Rue McClanahan(TV's The Golden Girls)as the twins mother, who eventtually discover's the twins deadly secrets. Co-starring in this thriller is Will Patton(Entrapment,The Postman,No Way Out). It is rated R for nudity, swearing , some shot outs and some deaths. If you want to see the movie leads in some times overlooked movie , check out this movie!!This movie is worth a rental anyway , even it seems a bit off the normal mainstream eye candy !!Just dont let the kids watch this till their old enough to understand the plot and other things that made this a R movie!1

flawed but atmospheric neonoir thriller

[Dr.X · 7/10 · 30 July 2000]

There are a lot of plot holes and implausibilities in this one, but overall I thought it was worth a look because Sheryl Lee gives a great performance that is full of emotion, conflict, and sensuality. Gina Gershon does a nice job too, and the small-town 1950's atmosphere is nicely done. The odd tension between the siblings is overplayed and some of the character's actions don't seem very credible to me, but still an interesting film as a one-off when better options aren't around.

rue good, movie bad

[bibfor1987 · 3/10 · 18 June 2002]

this was one of the worst movies that i have seen in a long time. they should have shown rue mcclanahan more than they did because she stole every scene she was in and made it a little better. with more background and more info on this character the movie would have been better. she was the only character to really feel any compassion for in the whole movie.

Deliciously trashy tragedy in B move style. For grown ups.

[hrare · 8/10 · 5 March 2000]

Gorgeous people doing grisly things. Family values...IS he sleeping with his sister? Will he kill his girl friend? Remember when slips were risque? Savor the flavor of the fifties. Big flashy cars. Good girls going to Tijuana for bad reasons. Tough women who really need a man to protect them. Bring your nostalgia and your sense of humor. Let the spell begin.

A seductive film noir wasteland.

[PtownB5 · 7/10 · 3 April 2005]

Beautifully filmed with a hallmark noir smoky narrative by Billy Zane, who plays the main character, Marty Lakewood. All the characters in this movie, like this movie, are intriguing but so very flawed. But then, aren't we all? The cast was superb, Rue Mclanahan as a feeble mother whose life has outplayed her strength, Billy Zane as Marty Lakewood, a complex parasitic character driven, or being driven, by an ethos perhaps only he understands. Sheryl Lee was phenomenal as a character so desperately needy it blurs your vision, and Gina Gershon plays the twin sister to Marty Lakewood, and she is simultaneously vulnerable and calloused. I can't really tie this movie down with any certainty, but it lingered with me for days, and that is a hallmark of something good. There are some clunky scenes, some gorgeous scenes and there are beautiful diaphanous elements of human nature- there is a dim light within apathy and arrogance, a bond within self indulgence and narcissism- I think the movie is definitely worth checking out.

Worth watching for Rue McClanahan and the cinematography but other than that....

[rmcclanahanfan · 4/10 · 2 March 2001]

Perhaps I am not warranted to distribute advice regarding a genre with which I am not particularly familiar, in this case film noir, but I'm going to do it anyway. This World, Then The Fireworks has about an equal amount of both positive, and negative aspects, which even it out into a mediocre, but passable film. The main negative point, which is prevalent and cannot be overlooked, is that the plot is somewhat confusing, and contains many loopholes. In several instances, I found myself looking at the clock, wondering when it would be over, simply because I only had the slightest idea what was going on. In some cases, the pieces eventually came together, but some questions still remained unanswered. After watching the movie, I felt compelled to log on to the Internet Movie Database to try to hunt down the missing pieces. In terms of the positive aspects of This World, Then The Fireworks, the film has some of the best cinematography I've seen since A Walk In The Clouds, and Titanic. Even if the story is a bit difficult to follow, it is worth watching just because it is so visually pleasing. I must especially laud the use of filters (tinting the screen shades of blue, and red), as it is extremely contributory to the atmosphere of the film. This particular feature does a spectacular job capturing the era of the 1950s, as everything from the costumes, make-up, and the characters' smokey voices to the cars with large fenders, and the settings, makes it an effective period piece. The film is narrated by Zane, which is is typical of 1950s (making it even more effective as a period piece), but his deep, smokey voice is often times difficult to understand, as he usually mumbles. Each of the main cast members gives respectable performance (the acting, not their character), and Zane and Gershon are believable as twins. Rue McClanahan is only in three scenes, each lasting a few minutes, but presents what is perhaps her most melodramatic role yet. If anything, rent This World, Then The Fireworks just to see Rue, whose face must be covered in a quarter inch of latex, creating fake sores, scars, wrinkles, and dark rings around her eyes, making her look like death has warmed over. It is unfortunate that Rue was not featured more, as she gave perhaps the best performance, and breathed a breath of life into each scene in which she appeared. If the viewer would have been allowed to become better acquainted with Elanor Lakewood (McClanahan), perhaps she would be the one character in the film towards whom one could feel sympathy. This World, Then The Fireworks is an artsy film with several flaws, but it's worth a look simply because it is aesthetically pleasing. And believe me- you will see Rue McClanahan like you have never seen her before.

In rapt surprise at rating

[david.i.rudel · 14 August 2000]

How in the world can you guys not like this film. I consider this film one of my top 10, mostly because the characterization of Billy Zane's character may be the best in any movie ever. This movies has almost everything you want: Original Awesome Characterization (especially with Zane's Character) Sufficiently well written and acted

Maybe this movie isn't what the mainstream wants, but it is still an excellent flick.

Noir With Bite

[great_sphinx_42 · 7/10 · 9 June 1999]

"This World, Then The Fireworks" could never have made it as a commercial picture. But I'm convinced that I and a chosen few others will turn it into one of the tiniest cult flicks ever. Put out by Billy Zane at about the same time as "Titanic", it went straight to video. Billy and Gina Gershon (who not only actually look like twins but are also eerily similar in their appeal, i.e. the smoky-voiced, dangerously-seductive, black-haired, black-eyed 40's crime noir sex bomb thing) are Marty and Carol, two people who are, as the box clearly states, very good at being very bad. Lots of people will hate this one. I went into it not sure what to expect but I had rented it just to drool over Billy (his character was a jerk in "Titanic", but Leo still wasn't the only eye candy.) Anyway, I was hooked from scene one, during which several people get shot on the twins' fourth birthday, including a pair of naked lovers. The twins just cackle away, while Billy intones in his drawl voice-over that someone was dead and somebody else spent the rest of his life in jail, and their mom was never the same, but that "they were naked, and it was funny." (Don't ask. Just see the movie.) What follows is just as wonderfully twisted. Check out Marty's televangelist speech! Later on, while Carol laments life, Marty calmly hypothesizes "It was all thought up long ago, by a strange and crazy god. He spoke, and that's when all the sh*t started happening." It's seriously wicked, and not for all tastes. Film noir has been done better, certainly, but the era is evoked well, and it's certainly an experience. This is a worthwhile rental.

Low budget thriller

[richielouispaulm · 7/10 · 11 December 2012]

Great little low budget Tarantino type flick. Had to watch it twice to really appreciate. Sheryl Lee who plays Billy Zane's lover Lois reminds me of young Kim Novak...Sexy, Beautiful, and very talented. Surprised she hasn't made it bigger on the big screen. Also, the music is so period-appropriate. If you are an older dude like me you will love it! I will be looking to see if a soundtrack is available!!I don't have much more to say, I know I must have a minimum of ten lines so here goes! Great little movie.....................Great little movie................Great little movie................................Great little movie.............................Great little movie!!!

A shamefully underrated DARK COMEDY.

[fransway · 9/10 · 21 February 2005]

This is a great film, and should be more widely available. Why, oh why isn't it out in DVD? The writer of the original story is Jim Thompson. The film is one of the blackest of dark comedies, and so, unfortunately, is under appreciated by mainstream viewers and even critics. If you could see the humor in "The Grifters" or if you like your humor darker than "To Die For," you must get "This World, Then the Fireworks" in video ASAP. The leading role is made for Billy Zane, and features the finest performance I've ever seen from him. Don't miss this unforgettable scene: someone wonders why he (Billy Zane) would marry a deformed woman when he can have a beautiful one, and he becomes absolutely enraged. Also wonderful are Gina Gershon as the sister, and Rue McClanahan as mother of the wicked siblings.

PERFECT COMBINATION OF DEADPAN CAMP AND STYLIZED VIOLENCE

[drspecter · 24 May 2002]

Billy Zane is perfect as the sociopathic Marty, and his voice-over narration IS the Jim Thompson novella. This World is simultaniously an overblown parody and a loving homage to not only Thompson, but fifties hardboiled thrillers in general. Gritty touches of realism mix with a nostalgiac 50s pastiche and stylized performances and camera work. Sure to be over the heads of most modern viewers (see above review) but if you love film noir, and especially the pulp novels that helped spawn it, this film is beautiful, hillarious, and genuinely misanthropic. All the performances are very accurate to the way the characters acted in the novella. Shot like a combination of a moving Edward Hopper painting and an Italian Giallo thriller. HIGHLY recommended!

Marvellous

[pollystark · 8/10 · 21 September 2005]

I really can't understand why this film has such a poor rating. I rented it totally randomly years ago and was absolutely entranced. It's about good people who do bad things, and bad people who do good things, and about the moral values of society. It has a wonderful visual style, portrays an amazingly consistent world.

The whole film has an air of sadness pervading it that sticks with me five years on.

Difficult viewing, but wonderful.

If you see this for rent or cheap purchase anywhere, grab it and see one of the most individual and haunting films ever.

An aboveboard elucidation of a lesser-known Jim Thompson opus

[EyeAskance · 28 April 2003]

I'm a long-time fan of Jim Thompson, and I very much enjoyed THIS WORLD, THEN THE FIREWORKS, a flawed but gritty little project which manages to capture Thompson's hard-edged stylistic virtuosity quite nicely. Regardless, I wouldn't open-handedly recommend it to anyone who's not a foaming-at-the-mouth noir fanatic, as the film's tone of pervasive hopelessness will likely prove unappealing to many. As well, much of the violence is purblindly direct and quite potent.

The lurid tale at hand concerns a dejected Chicago news reporter returning to the rustic environs of his youth(and to the sister he once loved in a rather unwholesome way), and finding that the passing of years has reduced the town to a squalid ragdump, rife with sordid lives and ubiquitary misery. Relentlessly dark and subtly sardonic ultra-noir, with even the most likable characters suppressing some degree of unscrupulous shadiness. Not a joyful diversion, but effective, and surprisingly sincere in its illustration of the source material.

6/10...recommended.

Great Neo-Noir

[forecastmazy · 8/10 · 9 June 2003]

Come on, Billy Zane is amazing in this film. If for anything, it's worth watching to see his performance. I watched this film after standing at a Bright Eyes concert for hours, I was tired but just let it go on because it kept my attention, STOOD WITH ME, much more than many modern day pop. films do. It really is a tribute to Film-Noir more than anything. The angles and shots at times remind me of Hitchcock, but mostly it stays within the bounds of Noir. It's like the director watched A & E and Nick at Night forever. If you watched Film-Noir you know the plot isn't always explained with your hand held like many films are for nowadays people. Film Noir was slick and cool. It's not a perfect film but it's a damn good one! Worth a watch, don't judge this film by its cover, actually don't even look at the cover at all. The cover sucks, its worthless, the film itself, is great.

Very weird movie.

[Psyche471 · 10/10 · 27 September 2005]

If you like movies that are warped, dysfunctional, and twisted and you like looking at beautiful people, then this movie is for you. It is a touching tale of sibling love. Billy Zane, Gina Gershon & Sheryl Lee play the main characters and as usual are great in this film. There is a lot of subtlety in the ways that each of the characters develop, not only in the dialog but also in the use of lighting and camera angles. For me, I found it to be a very intriguing movie; I had no idea where it was headed. It is not what I would consider an action type movie but is instead a more character driven movie. You really need to pay attention to the little things going on to fully appreciate how great this movie is. I loved this movie and hope that more folks will watch it.

I love this movie.....

[hopelex1 · 9/10 · 7 January 2006]

I love everything about this movie. To be low budget and not very well known, I believe that this is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Everything from the use of color, plot, acting, narration, music, etc. It's tremendous!

Billy Zane proved yet again that he has talent. I consider this one of his better movies and severely underrated.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who isn't just a Billy Zane fan, but someone who appreciate good movies. It'll keep you on the edge of your seat. Definitely worth renting, purchasing or viewing on one of the cable channels. I give it two thumbs up.

Hooray for This World, Then The Fireworks!!

This isn't everyones cup o tea

[l9rae · 15 August 2000]

This is an exceptional type of film. Strange and moody, bizarre in parts. It is a sort of Film Noir in color and very easy to watch. I love Billy Zane, and his performances always have a sprinkle of him in them. There are some odd twists and turns and the cinematograpy and costumes and very right on! If you are into 50's mysteries then this one may grab you.