I just saw this recently, and I was a bit underwhelmed, although I liked the concept. (On the other hand, I never took the time to really think about this film, and this is one of those that could get better upon more reflection.) In a way, the film reminded me of a less arty version of one of Jim Jarmusch’s films where the main character goes on some journey.
(some spoilers)
I think the characters were missing a little—although I thought Stamp’s performance in this was fine. Hurt didn’t entirely convince me as the dark, hitman. Roth’s performance also seemed to be lacking in some way (i.e. the ostensibly amusing moments didn’t quite succeed).
Actually, I tend to feel that having seen this film after seeing Tarantino’s films and all his imitators might be the main reason this film didn’t entirely work for me. In 1984, I think this film would have had a bigger impact.
In any event, I wanted to discuss the ending, particularly the way Stamp’s character reacts to his death. Up to that point, he has a really serene, spiritual view of his death, but he become unraveled at the last moment.. What was the film trying to say with this depiction? My current take is that it was sort of critique on the people who have a calm, philosophical approach to death. This kind of attitude is easy to have when death is remote, but can often vanish when the reality of death finally hits home.
The film’s ending seems to be that death is a mystery and maybe even senseless. I sort of like that interpretation (even though I don’t necessarily agree with it personally), and had I liked the characters and the dialogue/scenes more, I would have loved this film.
Jazzaloha
I just saw this recently, and I was a bit underwhelmed, although I liked the concept. (On the other hand, I never took the time to really think about this film, and this is one of those that could get better upon more reflection.) In a way, the film reminded me of a less arty version of one of Jim Jarmusch’s films where the main character goes on some journey.
(some spoilers)
I think the characters were missing a little—although I thought Stamp’s performance in this was fine. Hurt didn’t entirely convince me as the dark, hitman. Roth’s performance also seemed to be lacking in some way (i.e. the ostensibly amusing moments didn’t quite succeed).
Actually, I tend to feel that having seen this film after seeing Tarantino’s films and all his imitators might be the main reason this film didn’t entirely work for me. In 1984, I think this film would have had a bigger impact.
In any event, I wanted to discuss the ending, particularly the way Stamp’s character reacts to his death. Up to that point, he has a really serene, spiritual view of his death, but he become unraveled at the last moment.. What was the film trying to say with this depiction? My current take is that it was sort of critique on the people who have a calm, philosophical approach to death. This kind of attitude is easy to have when death is remote, but can often vanish when the reality of death finally hits home.
The film’s ending seems to be that death is a mystery and maybe even senseless. I sort of like that interpretation (even though I don’t necessarily agree with it personally), and had I liked the characters and the dialogue/scenes more, I would have loved this film.