Saturday, April 02, 2005

Las Vegas May Not Be As Sinful After All



Having never read Frank Miller's graphic novels, I went into the new film Sin City only seeing the trailers and some behind-the-scenes extras on a DVD at Best Buy. The cinematography is sharp, crisp and stands out from the use of black and white film (with hints of color at appropriate times.) If anything, the way the flashes of color pull your eyes across the screen really makes you feel you are being coerced into the stories. Black and white seems to befit a Sin City world full of grays. The film also utilizes narration in ways that I have yet to see on screen where even the narrator shifts from one character to another in one sequence. The acting was strong for this film although I do think that Michael Madsen could have sounded less stiff (as if he were reading a teleprompter.) Major kudos for Mickey Rourke's portrayal of Marv. Beautiful women (Alba, Gugino, Dawson, King, Murphey and many more) abound in the film with tons of imperfect men. This is a genre-busting film that firmly portrays the underbelly of civilized man. Not a film for the dainty, as this could definitely be filed as a horror film (the dead bodies become difficult to count) with sharp wit, well-directed action sequences and touching moments. For the first time in my life, I'm upset that I didn't go right back in to see the movie again.

Not a date movie but this is a hardcore adult rollercoaster waiting to happen. Posted by Hello

5 comments:

Teri said...

I am glad that you can focus on the positive aspects of this movie. I couldn't get past the violence, sexism, and content in order to appreciate any of the beauty of the film.

Unknown said...

I just liked Oldtown's dress de jure. I will admit though even with white blood, there was a lot of violence in this movie.

Martin said...

I like the fact that it was a true adaptation of the original work with few limitations put on it. Bloody and violent, yes, but not enough to say it is the most extreme in either category (thank some Japanese and Italian directors for that.) I think, Teri is just upset that Bruce Willis didn't make sweet sweet love to Jessica Alba (personally... I don't think his heart could have held out.)

LoraLoo said...

Oooooo I can't wait to see this movie. You gave it a great review - whereas the others I have read have been rather flat. How about that Micky Rourke? I was looking at some premier photos and didn't even recognize him. He's had enough plastic surgery to look freakish, really reminds me of Bob Stupak for some weird reason. He probably didn't need makeup for this movie!

Martin said...

Bob Stupak! That's exactly what was in the back of my mind. I'm kinda happy he isn't on TV that much anymore. B)