Tag: Murder

“Sliver” (1993) starring Sharon Stone, William Baldwin, & Tom Berenger

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You like to watch… don’t you. -Tagline for the movie

Hoping for a fresh start after a recent divorce, a 35 y.o. book editor, Carly Norris (Sharon Stone- who was signed for $2.5M), moves into an elegant/high-rise apt. in Manhattan. However, the luxurious “sliver” building comes w/ a history of unsolved murders! Carly catches the eye of middle-aged crime novelist, Jack Landsford (Tom Berenger- in a thankless role), and the 20-ish video-game designer, Zeke Hawkins (William Baldwin). There is a voyeur watching the tenants’ every move using some (then high-tech) equipment. Is this movie really as bad as most people say? Oh yeah, it’s just a mess! The dialogue is cliched, the characters are shallow (or cartoonish), and the plot is basic (and predictable). The screenplay credits go to Ira Levin (who wrote the source novel) and Joe Eszterhas (whose credits incl. Jagged Edge, Basic Instinct, and Showgirls).

Stone alleged in her autobiography that one of the producers, Robert Evans, wanted to see her naked and treated her in a misogynistic manner. Stone (who gets to show some vulnerability in this movie) didn’t want him on set while she was working. As one viewer commented on IMDb: “Stephen Baldwin [one of Alec’s younger bros] is utterly intolerable, why this man was given leading roles in big budget Hollywood films I will never know.” If you thought Madonna was limited in her (vanity project) Body of Evidence, well Baldwin is worse! Johnny Depp, Val Kilmer, and River Phoenix turned down the role of Zeke. The script originally called for full male frontal nudity (which has become less controversial in the past 5 yrs), but Baldwin changed his mind (after the scenes had been shot). Though he does bare his backside in Basic Instinct, Michael Douglas said no to full frontal nudity.

Philip Noyce (an Aussie w/ extensive TV/movie credits) previously directed Dead Calm, Patriot Games, and Clear and Present Danger. A crew was sent to Hawaii to film an active volcano for the opening credits. The volcano erupted and the helicopter carrying the crew crashed- yikes! No one was killed, BUT all film was lost. Eszterhas’ original ending was confusing to test audiences; an alternate ending was quickly written/shot. I don’t think you can blame Noyce much, as doesn’t have much to work w/ here. According to the director, Stone and Baldwin disliked each other so much that they demanded their scenes be filmed separately (when possible). As for the steamy scenes, they’d have been more effective if there was any romantic chemistry. A young Polly Walker (who went on to work on Rome and Bridgerton) plays Carly’s model neighbor. I think modern viewers will be bored, IF they happen to watch this movie!

“The Fugitive” (1993) starring Harrison Ford & Tommy Lee Jones

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Dr. Richard Kimble, unjustly accused of murdering his wife, must find the real killer while being the target of a nationwide manhunt led by a seasoned U.S. Marshal. -Synopsis

The studio was not happy with the beard. They figured they paid for the face they wanted to see, so they were concerned about that. -Harrison Ford on his look (in the 1st act of the movie)

I re-watched this movie (released 30 yrs ago this week) recently- it still holds up! It was the 3rd highest-grossing movie in the US in 1993; it was (surprisingly) nominated for MANY awards. There is NOT a lot of dialogue and the story is quite simple, BUT the pacing, build-up of tension, and exciting (and memorable) action scenes keep viewers interested. The focus is mainly on two good guys- Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) and the US Marshals lead by Deputy Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones)- so we want to root for both sides. Ford (who was looking for a challenge) gives an understated performance; however, you see the determination in the hard-set of his jaw and various emotions in his eyes. Remember that in reality, MOST people are trying to hold in their emotions (NOT expressing them openly). Jones has the flashier role (earning him an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor); his character got a spin-off movie- U.S. Marshals. Gerard (a veteran lawman) shows confidence bordering on arrogance, BUT he can also be funny. As we are taken on a cat-and-mouse chase, these two adversaries gain respect for each other.

Dr. Richard Kimble: [Holding Gerard at gunpoint] I didn’t kill my wife!
Deputy Marshal Samuel Gerard: I don’t care!

Andrew Davis (director) convinced the producers to let him shoot (on location) in Chicago; the weather was V cold during the 73-day shoot (which posed challenges). I learned that some of the dialogue was improvised by Ford and Jones. The St. Patrick’s Day parade scene was also improvised; it took several mins. for Ford to be recognized among the crowd. Ford damaged some ligaments in his leg during the scenes in the woods; he refused surgery until the end of filming (so that his character would keep the limp)- ouch! At age 50, Ford is in great shape (as we see in the shirtless scenes where he bandages his wound, then changes into civilian clothes). The supporting players do a good job in this movie: Sela Ward, Joe Pantoliano, Julianne Moore, Jane Lynch, Andreas Katsulas, Jeroen Krabbe, and others. Moore (the young ER doc) had a bigger role; these scenes were filmed/deleted from the final cut. (FYI: If you want to hear more re: Ford’s movies, check out The Fordcast podcast.)

Three Controversial Films Directed by Paul Verhoeven

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Basic Instinct (1991) starring Michael Douglas & Sharon Stone

A violent police detective investigates a brutal murder that might involve a manipulative and seductive novelist. -Synopsis

We ALL know the story here, BUT is it a good movie (IF we put aside the explicit scenes)? I’d say it kept my interest and is (mostly) watch-able. It could’ve been shorter; the run time is 2 hrs. 8 mins. On a recent rewatch, I really noticed (and liked) the music; it was composed by Jerry Goldsmith) and V effective in creating tension/setting moods. I enjoyed the natural scenery: the winding roads around San Fran, the ocean, and Catherine’s beach house (recently priced at $52M). Catherine (Stone- 34 y.o.) wears some great (timeless) outfits; the actress sinks her teeth into the role (and becomes a star). She wasn’t well known; Douglas (48 y.o.) was the bigger name then. You will find homages to Hitchcock’s Vertigo. The 1st 45 mins of the story is much stronger than the rest. I can’t believe that the screenplay (by Joe Eszterhas) sold for $3M – wow!

The acting is NOT natural, as many viewers noted; it’s often V melodramatic. There are V problematic elements, which viewers may NOT have noticed back in the early ’90s. Beth, the police psychologist (played by Jeanne Tripplehorn- her 1st role), is treated V roughly/badly by Nick (Douglas) and just a plot device. I learned that members of the LGBTQ community protested screenings in ’91; it turns out that the 3 main women (bisexual) are characterized as potentially homicidal! In her recent autobiography, Stone wrote that Verhoeven (who hails from the Netherands and doesn’t shy away from controversy) “tricked” her into baring herself (in the infamous interrogation scene); he said that “the white underwear was causing a glare on camera.” I can see why many people now avoid this movie. As Siskel and Ebert said: “it’s NOT really about anything, if you take away the sex and nudity.”

Showgirls (1995) starring Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan, & Gina Gershon

Carefree young drifter Nomi arrives in Las Vegas, Nevada to become a dancer and sets about clawing her way to the top of the Vegas showgirls. -Synopsis

Whoever called this movie “All About Eve, the trashy version” summed up the plot perfectly- LOL! This is a (notorious) movie which some call “so bad that it’s good.” Nope, this is a hot mess akin to a trainwreck (or under-baked cake). I saw it for the 1st time last week; I was surprised by how bad it was! To modern eyes, the nudity, steamy scenes, and baddie (unlikeable) characters won’t be anything TOO shocking. Eszterhas also wrote this screenplay; it’s NOT only bad writing, BUT often the story doesn’t make sense!

Nomi (Berkley- a former teen star from Saved by the Bell) is woman in her early 20s who’s hitchhiking to Vegas; she has dreams of becoming a showgirl. She is robbed by the young man who gave her a ride; in a parking lot, she (luckily) meets a young Black woman, Molly (Gina Rivera), who gets her food and offers her a place to live. Then we shift forward 6 wks; Molly is doing a fashion degree while working on costumes (BTS of a big show). Nomi is working at a popular strip club, yet NOT happy about it. Molly takes Nomi along one night to her job; Nomi is SO taken w/ the performance (and can’t wait for her chance). Soon, she gets an audition, and the story gets going.

Verhoeven makes some (weird) directorial choices and they don’t pay off. The tone is some scenes doesn’t fit the story; it’s quite jarring. Berkley’s overacting (“continuous thrashing”- as one of the hosts of The Bechdel Cast pod said) is V annoying! There is V little that can be called “hot” or “steamy” in this movie (esp. to modern eyes), though there is a LOT of nudity! If you’re bothered by the skin-baring on shows like HBO’s GoT, then this will be TOO much for you. I think the only actor who is effective is Gershon, who plays Cristal (the est. star of the show). Zach (Kyle MacLachhlan w/ a V sleazy hairstyle) is involved w/ Cristal and promotes the show; he also becomes interested in Nomi. Perhaps the worst thing here is how terribly Molly is treated (in the last act); it’s V violent and unnecessary! Just don’t watch it- you can thank me now.

Elle (2016) starring Isabelle Huppert

A successful businesswoman gets caught up in a game of cat and mouse as she tracks down the unknown man who raped her. -Synopsis

Michèle (Huppert) is a mature/Parisian woman who co-owns a video game company, specializing in games filled w/ sex/violence. After being raped in her home, she (calmly) cleans up the mess and orders sushi. Now, this is NOT how we expect a victim to behave (in the movies)! We soon see that she is NOT easy to like, BUT compelling to watch! Michele (tough/independent/says what she wants) has been greatly affected by her father; she doesn’t trust the police. The film explores NOT only Michèle’s relationship w/ her rapist (whose identity is est. about 2/3 of the way), BUT also her circle of family/friends. There’s her best friend, ex-husband, a jobless son w/ a pregnant gf, and a troubled employee, etc.

I almost couldn’t believe that the same director who made Showgirls also made this movie! It is based on a book. Though it is well-made w/ subtle (and dark) humor, it could be V disturbing to many viewers. Why does Michele react in the ways she does!? It’s almost like she’s inviting danger into her life. Huppert is known (internationally) as a fine actress; she doesn’t express many emotions here, BUT makes a big impression. What works in one country/culture will NOT always be embraced (or even tolerated) in another one. I learned that Verhoeven wanted to make this in the US, BUT he couldn’t get any American actress to tackle the lead role.

Spoiler-Free Review: “Infinity Pool” (2023) starring Alexander Skarsgard, Mia Goth, & Cleopatra Coleman

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While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. -Official synopsis

WTF did I see!? What exactly are the filmmakers trying to say? The writer/director of this horror/drama is Brandon, the son of veteran Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg. Like his father, Cronenberg does NOT shy away from controversy; this film contains a LOT of blood, drug use, explicit scenes (w/ nudity), and dark (possibly unsettling) themes. It was originally rated NC-17 for “some graphic violence and sexual content.” After an unsuccessful appeal for an R rating, NEON (the distributing studio) edited it. The uncut version was screened at the Sundance Film Festival; the edited (R-rated) version was released in theaters.

James Foster: I actually came here looking for inspiration. To a resort. It’s quite pathetic.

Alban Bauer: So what do you do for money then? Do you teach, or?

Em Foster: He married rich.

Alban Bauer: That’s a good one. Well, its’ good for an artist to have a patron, isn’t it?

James Foster: Yes.

Em Foster: Oh, sure. I’m in danger of becoming a charitable organization at this point.

Alexander Skarsgard (son Stellan/brother of several other actors) is in his anti-hero stage; I was recently impressed by his (complicated) husband role in HBO’s Big Little Lies. The Swedish actor is considered one the most (classically) handsome men onscreen (V tall, blond, blue-eyed, w/ a trim/sculpted body). Well, there is NOT much “hot” (or even likeable) about the role of James! He’s feeling emasculated, being dependent on Em (his wealthy/young wife). James has been suffering writer’s block (after early success); Gabi Alban (Mia Goth- a Brit w/ a Latina mother) boosts his ego w/ her compliments… and more. I’ve only seen 2 movies w/ Goth; you may know her as the wife of (troubled actor) Shia LaBeouf. In a recent podcast, LaBeouf commented that being w/ him has hurt Goth’s career; she is known for her work in the horror genre. I don’t know the supporting actors; they all play unhinged characters.

I have to admit I did like the scene where Gabi (boldy) touches the hollow of James’ throat to illustrate a point on the beach. Who acts that way w/ a stranger!? When the married couples go out to dinner at the Chinese restaurant, Gabi looks at James like she wants to eat him up! Modern viewers sometimes complain re: the overuse of close-ups; there are TOO many here (and often unsettling). If you are squeamish re: blood, then I recommend you avoid this movie. I just didn’t like the style of directing, incl. the use of (discomforting) graphics. The music is disturbing; if I knew more on this topic, I could say more. It is rumored that Robert Pattinson was offered the lead, but passed; he would’ve made it worse than it already is IMO! The ending is just frustrating, as is most of the film. I learned that some viewers walked out at Sundance.

[1] I just felt like it didn’t really amount to anything except for shock for the sake of shock and weirdness for the sake of weirdness. […] The visuals were admittedly cool and the overall aesthetic of the movie was well done, but what was the point? It ultimately just amounted to being a very pretentious, try hard, extreme film for commercial audiences.

[2] The story makes no sense with cloning being the predominant theme. Skarsgard, Goth and the entire cast are wasted with a silly script and story.

[3] Sad no one spends the time to think things out and develop a scary story and use atmosphere and tension.

This movie has atmosphere and tension, but it’s of the lower kind .

If this movie is trying to say something it’s that people with connections and money get away with murder .

[4] This film had the potential to be something new and creative in the horror genre, but writer/director Brandon Cronenberg settles for more of the same of his usual style with little in the way of an understanding of why these events are occurring or even caring that they are happening. […]

All the acting is very well done; Mia Goth is always a sure bet when playing a sinister crazy person. Alexander Skarsgård, unfortunately, isn’t given enough material here to truly shine in his role. He’s a practically one dimensional shell of a character, and that is one of the main reasons the film did not work for me. I felt nothing for his character, and the character makes some of the worst decisions I’ve seen on film. Barely any of the film makes sense, if I’m being honest. Best not to ask why to any of the questions you have because, more than likely, they will not be answered.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Fatal Attraction” (Paramount+): Episode 1

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A deep-dive reimagining of the classic 80s thriller, exploring timeless themes of marriage and infidelity through the lens of modern attitudes toward strong women, personality disorders and coercive control. -Synopsis

Introduction:

Are you a fan of the (iconic) movie Fatal Attraction (1987) starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, or perhaps the erotic thriller genre? If so, then you may want to check out this new Paramount+ streaming show (w/ a subscription on Amazon Prime). Three eps were released last SUN (April 30th); there will be a total of 8 eps (about 1 hr./ea.) For fans of the original, there are “Easter eggs” to be found, as co-writer Alexandra Cunningham noted. James Dearden (who wrote the original screenplay) is credited; long-time fans may recognize (discarded) ideas from his original script. Beth has a much larger role to play; she has a small business (so is not a housewife). Dearden originally wrote Beth as a schoolteacher who’d taken a few yrs off, BUT was planning to return to work. Producers didn’t like that idea, so that’s why movie Beth (Ann Archer) was an ideal “happy homemaker.”

Episode 1:

15 years after Alex Forrest’s murder, Dan Gallagher is paroled and reaches out to his estranged daughter Ellen. In the past, a crushing career defeat drives him to first connect with Alex. -Synopsis of the pilot episode

Do you know the (alternate) ending to the ’80s movie which the producers rejected? That finale included Dan being convicted of murdering Alex! The ep opens w/ Dan’s hearing in front of the parole board; he has served his sentence of 15 yrs. It sounds like he has been a model prisoner during this time. His manner is humble and his speech is V serious/calm. Though he doesn’t notice her, the adult Ellen (a grad student in Psychology) is at the hearing.

The setting of the story has been moved from NYC to LA. In 2008, Dan (Joshua Jackson, 45 y.o.) is still a lawyer, BUT he’s a Deputy District Attorney (NOT in corporate law). As in the movie, he has a comfy home, loving wife (Beth), and young daughter (Ellen is aged up to 8 y.o.) He seems to be respected/liked by most of his colleagues at the Criminal Courts Building. Dan is turning 40 soon and up for a judgeship. Alex (Lizzy Caplan, 40 y.o.) isn’t a book editor here; she works in Victims Services (and is also a colleague of Dan’s). In the era of #MeToo, this adds another layer to the classic story of infidelity.

This show has 2 timelines: the present (2023) has a cool color palette, while the time period of the affair/its aftermath (2008) has a warmer look. In the past, Dan is often in the center of the frame (as one would typically present a main character). He wears suits, talks fast, and walks in an upright/confident manner. In the present, Dan is sometimes on the sidelines (as the story is NOT just his anymore). He has more gray hair, is dressed V casually, talks carefully (slowly) and has his head/shoulders lowered. There is more to see, so check out the show for yourself!

My first reaction was that I missed the (more glam) setting of Manhattan. Then, I wondered how much of the story would focus on law and order. Ellen’s focus is on Carl Jung; I wonder if this may play out in the show. Do you think the casting of the leads is fitting? I will keep on watching and post review of the full series when it has finished. If you’re active on Twitter, I’ve posted some related tweets. (See videos below.)