Cast: Nicholas Cage, Elizabeth Shue

Director: Mike Figgis

Screenplay: Mike Figgis

Running time: 1 hr 55 mins

Genre: Drama



CRITIQUE:


There’s certainly something going on beneath this alcoholic-meets-prostitute tale when its author of the based novel John O’Brien committed suicide two weeks into production of the film. With its semi-autobiographical trappings, one couldn’t help but wonder what utter despair this story is rooted upon. And it is very depressing indeed. Its protagonist Ben Sanderson is a failed screenwriter who intends to drink himself to death. Here there is no redemption, no last-minute rescue, and even his platonic love affair with Sera, a hardened, streetwise prostitute, provides no optimism and neat happy-ending. This is a love story that accepts flaws from both parties, yet never attempts to rectify them. And this is the strength of the film; it refuses to adhere with the sloppiness usually inherent in this kind of material. Instead, it is gritty, relentlessly grim and does not moralise on its audience. The self-destructiveness of Ben is portrayed by Nicholas Cage with stunning perception, sometimes sardonic and often hard-hitting. This reminds of those days when Cage can prove he can actually perform, and not just scampering around with a heavy frown on his face in lowbrow action flicks. Elizabeth Shue is also superlative, providing Sera some surprising gentility and humanity to an otherwise bland and hackneyed prostitute-with-a-heart character.


VERDICT:

A compelling and sometimes moving portrait of human deterioration onscreen. This dark, unassuming love story of two wounded individuals offers no recuperation and kitsch conclusions. Best watched when you’re sober – and stay away from sharp objects afterwards.



RATING: B+