If I’m gonna watch a love story, this is the form it should take. Script by Tarantino. Directed by the other Scott. Drama. Romance. Violence. Humor. Really the complete package here. Flesh it out with a ton of great performances by a kinda surprising amount of ‘known’ actors, this is a pretty solid flick from start to finish.
I can’t say I’m on board with the opening scene dialogue though. Elvis? I mean he seems alright enough of a dude. But, that proposition? Naw. I’m out. But it kinda introduces an overall theme that plays out throughout the film. There’s a kung-fu cinema event in the heart of Detroit, and we find two people who by kinda pure luck find themselves together and know that’s where they’re supposed to be. What level do you take that to? Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) decides to ramp that bitch up to 11 for the love of his newly met soon-to-be wife Alabama (Patricia Arquette), and then reap the rewards... and then suffer the consequences as the cockfuckery slowly encroaches upon them. It ain’t all wine and roses, there’s some ugly stuff that dickpunches you when you least expect. But the roller coaster ride keeps it entertaining. Just avoid vomiting on your sweater, it’s rather unbecoming.
There’s some great characters and dialogue going on here, from the pitch-perfect role by Dennis Hopper as Clarence’s ex-cop dad, to the meager Floyd (Brad Pitt), who would prefer more weed, beer and, kindof surprisingly, cleaning products? Tony Soprano plays a quite koonty role, and one bad-ass Al Jourgensen-like mofo pimp played by an almost unrecognizable Gary Oldman. Chrisopher Walken? Singular scintillating scene with him and Hopper. That conversation alone is worth the movie, and it’s basically a tangent, but essential one, in the story overall. Like I said, It’s an Excellent ride from start to finish.
