DJR-7 Reviews

The Way of the Gun (2000)

A disappointing debut from the writer of THE USUAL SUSPECTS..

[15 September 2000]

For the directorial debut of the writer of the brilliant film The Usual Suspects, I have to say he really missed the mark here. The film is well shot, but aside from that I can't find anything remotely entertaining about it. The characters are so one-dimensional it will drive you insane, and they are constantly dropping little tidbits from their past that never pay off in the end. This film has way too many characters (none of which are "good guys") and the plot is way to thin. At the end of this very disappointing film, you will be asking yourself a lot of questions, such as "who was that guy?", and "what was the deal with that scene?". These answers never come and I would highly recommend skipping this one and going and renting The Usual Suspects again. You'll thank me in the long run.

Affliction (1997)

Great performances make this small indie effort

[8 July 1999]

For what is considered a small, independent film, this movie is packed with brilliant performances by two great actors. James Coburn is the dark, angry patriarch of an abusive household, whose abuse and anger are inherited by his son(Nolte). The story is told by the youngest brother (played mainly in voice-over and a small cameo by Willem Dafoe), and traces the events of a small town murder investigation that leads to the mental collapse of Nolte's cop character. The film weaves us through a buffet of sub-plots and bit characters (including a nice appearance by Sissy Spacek), which is at times whish-washed. However the tone and style of the film are quite fresh and unique.

Penned and directed by Paul Schrader, who will probably always be known for writing "Taxi Driver", the film is a stylish take of what is most likely a much better novel. The tone is cold and dark, and serves as the perfect backdrop for the anger and isolation of the two "male" characters. In my opinion, the voice-over narration takes away from the feeling the picture leaves, basically serving the purpose to tell us what to feel. The images and performances on the screen do a fine job in dong that on it's own, without re-enforcment. On a whole, the film is powerful and moving, and is a great look into the heart and soul of lives that are truely tortured. I would recommend this film if for no other reason than to see the brilliant performances of James Coburn (Oscar winner) and Nick Nolte (Oscar nominee).

The Longest Day (1962)

WWII Epic told from all sides of the Great War

[21 June 1999]

With the recent release of the WWII epic "Saving Private Ryan" garnering attention as "one of the great war movies of all time", it should be noted that this lavish 1962 production can more than hold it's own. A true epic, this film combines spectacular battle scenes (even by today's standards) with a superb cast of over 48 international stars.

To me, what sets this film apart from Ryan is the way all sides of the conflict are brought to the screen with such superb acting. John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Richard Burton, and many, many others guide us gracefully through the events of the D-day invasion. The film captures the historical element of the event, while still offering an exciting and entertaining action-adventure to boot. For war-movie buffs, this is a film that should not be missed. And for those who feel that Private Ryan is indeed the "best war film of our time", you should give this epic film another look.