I saw this dark offbeat film many years ago and since I haven't seen it since, certain elements of it are hazy. While not anywhere as good as The Grifters, there are similarities and Jason Patrick puts in an intense performance. This film is not as well known as Grifters and seems very difficult to find as a rental as I've been told by friends but fans of this genre of movies should see it.
Unlike Grifters,this film was not what I'd call a masterpiece although I was fairly young when I saw this, and only saw it once, unlike "Grifters" and other similar films, so in all fairness to the movie I may have to give it a second viewing to see if it's as I remember it(if its available). The film, like The Grifters, deals with shady people involved in shady things but(though interesting) it lacks the fascination of Grifters, though not the complexity, and isn't as compelling overall. It didn't keep me on the edge of my seat although the great performances, particularly Patrick's are worth noting.
But I felt it just wasn't put together as well,(interestingly, it somewhat reminded me almost of a David Lynch movie). I'd rate it from what I remember, slightly above average, about a 6, maybe 6.5. But since Grifters, I think, is Oscar worthy and an easy 9.5, there is a major difference. Still, if I can find this I will watch it again as I would like to see how it's held up through the years.
Unlike Grifters,this film was not what I'd call a masterpiece although I was fairly young when I saw this, and only saw it once, unlike "Grifters" and other similar films, so in all fairness to the movie I may have to give it a second viewing to see if it's as I remember it(if its available). The film, like The Grifters, deals with shady people involved in shady things but(though interesting) it lacks the fascination of Grifters, though not the complexity, and isn't as compelling overall. It didn't keep me on the edge of my seat although the great performances, particularly Patrick's are worth noting.
But I felt it just wasn't put together as well,(interestingly, it somewhat reminded me almost of a David Lynch movie). I'd rate it from what I remember, slightly above average, about a 6, maybe 6.5. But since Grifters, I think, is Oscar worthy and an easy 9.5, there is a major difference. Still, if I can find this I will watch it again as I would like to see how it's held up through the years.