Anal and ambitious neurotic yuppie accountant Graham Krakowski (well played to nerdy and uptight perfection by Bill Paxton) buys himself a new house. However, Graham's life gets turned upside down by the unwelcome and unsettling intrusion of a crafty and dangerous bum (a creepy and menacing portrayal by Marshall Bell, who looks positively hideous sporting grotesque make-up) who used to squat in said abode. Director Chris Walas maintains a snappy pace throughout, ably mines a wickedly funny line in inspired oddball black humor, and does a sound job of sustaining a quirky tone as well as adeptly crafts a deliciously wigged-out paranoid atmosphere. The clever script by Richard Jefferies not only astutely explores the basic yuppie fear of failure and poverty (Graham transforms from smug affluent executive to scruffy down-on-his luck redneck during the course of the wacky story), but also delivers one real doozy of a surprise twist concerning the homeless man's true identity and actual motives for ruining Graham's life. The solid cast keeps this picture on track: Michael Ironside as hard-nosed detective Lt. Ralf Barfuss, Mitzi Kapture as Graham's unreliable girlfriend Edie Roberts, Collen Camp as kooky and horny real estate agent Judy Dansig, Patrika Darbo as cheery trailer park resident Doattie, Marc McClure as Graham's loyal and amiable friend Chuck, Stuart Pankin as stern boss Mr. Feemster, and Teddy Wilson as easygoing blind guy X-Rays. Moreover, this movie has a delightfully over-the-top cartoonish quality that in turn makes it quite a loopy hoot to watch. The slick cinematography by Jack Wallmer and John J. Connor provides a cool stylish look. Christopher Young's energetic heavy-breathing score further enhances the overall outré mood. Recommending viewing for fans of out of the ordinary fright fare.
Review of The Vagrant
