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| Ethan Hawke gives an outstanding performance. |
Directed by Richard Linklater
Produced by Alexis Alexanian, Anne Walker-McBay, and Gary Winick
Written by Stephen Belber (play/screenplay)
Starring Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and Uma Thurman
****
Linklater's little-seen film is a powerhouse independent vehicle with strong performances across the board. Tucked away in a motel room in Lansing, Michigan, volunteer firefighter and drug dealer Vincent (Hawke) is awaiting the arrival of his longtime friend Jon (Leonard), a director whose film is playing at the local festival the following day. They catch up when Jon arrives, but the atmosphere quickly changes when Vincent coaxes Jon into a high school date rape confession and reveals that he's just recorded their conversation. On top of that, Vincent announces that Amy (Thurman), his and Jon's ex-girlfriend (and Jon's alleged victim), will soon be coming over. Jon tries to reason with Vincent until Amy arrives. Then it's a free-for-all, as the three try to put an end to all of their problems that started ten years earlier in high school. A nasty situation to be sure, but the performers are up to the task.
Wow. This film was extraordinary. Despite the extremely thin budget (this was made even cheaper than Once was), the film features a great screenplay, adapted from a smart play no less. Linklater is great with actors, and he uses them to sell the film, incorporating many cuts and several interesting shots into the mix for good measure. Speaking of the actors, Ethan Hawke deserved an Oscar nod in 2001. Not the supporting one he received for Training Day, but a lead one for his electrifying performance in this. From popping two beers open at the beginning to salvaging his drugs at the end, Hawke never misses a beat, giving one of the finest performances of the last decade. He somehow manages to show off without being disingenuous, with his ticks, mannerisms, charm, recklessness, deviousness, confusion, and vulnerability fleshing out his character. He's simply phenomenal. And Uma Thurman is wonderful in her supporting role, as her entrance kicks the film up a notch. Robert Sean Leonard may not have the showiness of the other two characters, but he also gives a terrific performance. In addition, the entire film takes place in a motel room, which increases the tension in every scene. We're confined, just like the characters, and it works so well. This is an overlooked film that begs to be seen, and I highly recommend that you do so.
Wow. This film was extraordinary. Despite the extremely thin budget (this was made even cheaper than Once was), the film features a great screenplay, adapted from a smart play no less. Linklater is great with actors, and he uses them to sell the film, incorporating many cuts and several interesting shots into the mix for good measure. Speaking of the actors, Ethan Hawke deserved an Oscar nod in 2001. Not the supporting one he received for Training Day, but a lead one for his electrifying performance in this. From popping two beers open at the beginning to salvaging his drugs at the end, Hawke never misses a beat, giving one of the finest performances of the last decade. He somehow manages to show off without being disingenuous, with his ticks, mannerisms, charm, recklessness, deviousness, confusion, and vulnerability fleshing out his character. He's simply phenomenal. And Uma Thurman is wonderful in her supporting role, as her entrance kicks the film up a notch. Robert Sean Leonard may not have the showiness of the other two characters, but he also gives a terrific performance. In addition, the entire film takes place in a motel room, which increases the tension in every scene. We're confined, just like the characters, and it works so well. This is an overlooked film that begs to be seen, and I highly recommend that you do so.
Oscar Tally: None
Everyone that I know who has seen this says it is amazing. I still sadly have not seen it. Great write up!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Ooh, you really need to see it. Hawke could possibly get a double Fisti's nod for this and Training Day.
DeleteBy the way, I saw Love in the Afternoon over the weekend and loved it! It's my #3 of the year, and will go on my updated top 100 list. Hepburn gets a third Best Actress win for it, and I've updated my '50s Actress post accordingly. (It hasn't changed any of my winner stats though.)
I saw this was on Instant on Netflix...I may indulge soon!
DeleteGreat! If you do, I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. Hope you like it!
DeleteWow, that sounds great! I love films that rely on dialogue and interractions between characters so I may see this one, it may be interesting seeing lovable dr Wilson in something like this :)
ReplyDeleteIt's one of Linklater's best films. Can't recommend it highly enough!
DeleteExcellent review -- I love the way you described Hawke's performance. That, in itself, is enough to sell me on this movie. It sounds like a dark and complex movie -- it's probably right up my alley. Isn't Linklater the director of The Visitor? This sounds like a very different kind of film.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Hawke is just brilliant in the film. Actually, actor/writer/director Thomas McCarthy directed The Visitor, which I quite liked. Tape is a different kind of film, but in a good way. ;)
DeleteIndeed Linklater's gem. Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman were married at the time, so maybe that helped create the great performances, who knows.
ReplyDeleteDid you watch Waking Life (2001), or Gattaca (1997),those are a couple of other Hawke films worth watching.
Thurman met her future husband Ethan Hawke on the set of Gattaca (1997), in which they also both star.
I'm not sure if that helped or not, but they were amazing in the film.
DeleteI've seen both films. I like Waking Life, but I love Gattaca, which is probably re-entering my top 100 list when I update it.