This film gets down and digs up some roots. The story itself is of a man who goes to Ireland to find a father he never knew and learns about his roots. But the story also looks into the roots of love and emotion when it looks into the lives of two people who fall in love despite the opposing views of the townspeople. The Quinns do an amazing job of creating a feeling of authenticity, both in the setting and heritage of a small Irish town as well as with the innocent and delicate nature of love. Aidan Quinn gives an astounding portrayal of a man who truly learns what it means to be broken. It is a straightforward story with simple yet sincere dialogue, but the feelings it stirs in the viewer are anything but simple.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Six Ways to Sunday
(1997)
As Far As I Know, Its Tip Top
5 June 2000
This masterful creation is bound to have any viewer thinking about it for some time after the credits roll. Thinking especially about the complex character of Harry Odum played by Norman Reedus - that's complex in more than one sense of the word. Adam Bernstein does an amazing job of plotting out the character development of Harry Odum throughout the story. His is a character that undergoes much change throughout the film and there is never a point where the viewer can pinpoint to say that Harry Odum has displayed an excessively overt transformation. The transition from a young fledgling who is still bathed and nurtured by his mother to a cold blooded killer for the Mafia happens quite smoothly. Smoother than you would probably think possible until you see this film. Of course, credit for this is also due to the fabulous performance by Norman Reedus. As well, Deborah Harry gave a pleasant performance as his incestuous mother.
As you may have guessed, any film dealing with the Mafia, incest, and a complex character with a complex is not a light natured film. In fact the mood gets quite dark at times and Adam Bernstein does a lovely job of keeping this dim air present throughout. This includes everything from the depressing industrial set town that the story takes place in, to the gloomy rooms that the scenes are shot in, to the dark lighting in many of the scenes, to the fitting music, all the way to the disparaging words and attitudes of the characters. All of which will contribute to leaving an indelible impression on the viewer.
As you may have guessed, any film dealing with the Mafia, incest, and a complex character with a complex is not a light natured film. In fact the mood gets quite dark at times and Adam Bernstein does a lovely job of keeping this dim air present throughout. This includes everything from the depressing industrial set town that the story takes place in, to the gloomy rooms that the scenes are shot in, to the dark lighting in many of the scenes, to the fitting music, all the way to the disparaging words and attitudes of the characters. All of which will contribute to leaving an indelible impression on the viewer.
Flawless
(1999)
Very Nice Performance
1 June 2000
This is a nice simple story that looks at the outcome when two completely contrasting elements are thrown together in a set of dire circumstances. In fact the two elements are almost polar opposites. At least that is how they are portrayed in the film. These elements are a former cop and a drag queen played by Robert De Niro and Philip Hoffman, respectively. Joel Schumacher succeeds in keeping a somewhat dismal air about things throughout as the characters encounter a plethora of issues that they end up helping each other overcome.
Although the story can take the viewer in and immerse you in the issues that are to be conquered, this story is not exactly one to write home about. As far as the performances go, De Niro does a convincing job but Hoffman gives us an absolutely wild performance. If you have seen Hoffman's other achievements (like his performance in "Happiness") this film would be worth watching just to see the contrast in character performances.
Although the story can take the viewer in and immerse you in the issues that are to be conquered, this story is not exactly one to write home about. As far as the performances go, De Niro does a convincing job but Hoffman gives us an absolutely wild performance. If you have seen Hoffman's other achievements (like his performance in "Happiness") this film would be worth watching just to see the contrast in character performances.
Three Kings
(1999)
Nice New Style War Film
22 May 2000
Whether or not you will enjoy this film depends greatly on perspective. That is, not in the sense of which character (if it is the "good guy" or the "bad guy") you choose to support, plot, comedy, irony, etc., but rather the style of filmmaking that is used.
If you choose the former sense, then this movie does have all of the elements that a movie would need. George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, as well as Spike Jonze (it was a pleasant surprise to see him acting) all give nice performances and there is a nice suspenseful element in the plot. There is even the odd "tear jerker" moment. Like when an Iraqi soldier is torturing an American with electric shocks and makes him reflect on his own family in the U.S. in a war situation by saying to him (in a strong accent): "What if they dropped a bomb on your daughter, my main man? I no longer have a son". While these elements do exist in this film, if that is what you are looking for in a film then you've probably seen better (anti)war flicks.
If you choose the latter sense then there is much to be appreciated in this film. Everything from the Matrix-esque gunfights to the clever cinematography to the unique way of showing the effects of a bullet wound inside of the recipient's body.
Such a manner of filmmaking is manifesting itself through more and more directors these days and to them, I say Bravo! for blazing new trails.
If you choose the former sense, then this movie does have all of the elements that a movie would need. George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, as well as Spike Jonze (it was a pleasant surprise to see him acting) all give nice performances and there is a nice suspenseful element in the plot. There is even the odd "tear jerker" moment. Like when an Iraqi soldier is torturing an American with electric shocks and makes him reflect on his own family in the U.S. in a war situation by saying to him (in a strong accent): "What if they dropped a bomb on your daughter, my main man? I no longer have a son". While these elements do exist in this film, if that is what you are looking for in a film then you've probably seen better (anti)war flicks.
If you choose the latter sense then there is much to be appreciated in this film. Everything from the Matrix-esque gunfights to the clever cinematography to the unique way of showing the effects of a bullet wound inside of the recipient's body.
Such a manner of filmmaking is manifesting itself through more and more directors these days and to them, I say Bravo! for blazing new trails.
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