Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by MovieBuff on October 10, 2002 at 13:18:29

Anyone see this 1997 film starring Nastassja Kinski and Ryan Phillipe? I caught it on Showtime a few nights ago for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. John Savage was remarkable as the impotent, abusive, if not slightly off-balance Father and Vietnam Veteran. Nastassja is no longer the young, naive girl from "Cat People" and delivers a real understated peformance. Even Ryan Phillipe sheds some of his pretty-boy image with some bonified acting.

The ending was not what I expected - beginning with the interrogation of the Doris. I found it interesting that such a pivotal character would show up so close to the end of the film, yet it was nevertheless satisfying.

For reasons I can't explain, this movie reminded me of Requiem for a Dream. Perhaps, because they both provide the viewer a glimpse of another world...a side of life that no one wants to admit exists, yet is present in everytown, USA. At least LBB's ending was happier than RfaD's ending.

I was impressed with Mr. Tibaldi's movie, and recommend it... just not on a date night with your S/O.