1994
Directed by Oliver Stone
Oliver Stone's films have really been a mixed bag, but I think this movie solidified my negative opinion of him. Is anyone else sick of the outlaw couple storyline? It should have died (or been shot to death) with Bonnie and Clyde.
Mickey and Mallory are an emotionally disturbed couple who make headlines by killing and raping people across America. The plot isn't told in a linear fashion or in a conventional way. For example, the story of Mallory's abusive past is told in the style of a 50s sitcom. Once again, scenes that involve sexual assault are treated with all the gravity and tact of a Donald Trump press conference.
I am not going to spend too much time talking about this one. I didn't like it. I didn't like the style, I thought the humor fell flat, and I think it was about forty five minutes too long. I know it was supposed to be a satire about the glorification of killers, but self awareness doesn't negate the fact that Stone created the exact thing he was trying to criticize.
With the exception of JFK, I definitely am not too impressed with Stone.
RATING: **---
Interesting Facts:
Tarantino reportedly hated this film until he met Johnny Cash, who confessed that he loved it.
Editing for the film took 11 months.
I was hugely impressed with this one. I went into it thinking it was some kind of action thriller so was delighted to discover that it was a satire, an evisceration in fact, of the whole glorification of violence. I don't think the humour was supposed to be funny really, just a bitter attack on how we laugh off violence. Through to the end where we think we're immune to the effects because we're just seeing it through a TV screen, but even TV cannot escape.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite surprised to discover that you're so down on it given how closely it seems to tie in with similar debates which have taken place here about the cheap way movies keep dramatising rape for our entertainment.
Amanda, I like Oliver Stone more than you do, but I'm more on your side on this one than may be expected.
ReplyDeleteDessie raises a good point .. that this is SUPPOSED to be .. how did he put it .. "a satire, an evisceration in fact, of the whole glorification of violence". Well put, and he is right .. but .. I'm afraid when push came to shove, I fear your comment that he "created the exact thing he was trying to criticize."
Thanks Ray! I just didn't feel like the self awareness elevated it. Maybe in hindsight, but not when I had to sit through it.
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