I’ve seen it a few times now, and I’m still not convinced it’s the masterpiece everyone makes it out to be. A good-looking film, solid script, and great performances (though I don’t think John Cusack quite keeps up with Anjelica Huston and Annette Bening), but it just doesn’t come together as well as it should. Maybe it has something to do with the kitschy, sunny tone through most of the film, and Elmer Bernstein’s playful score – it just doesn’t feel like the lean, mean world of Jim Thompson.
