GROSSE POINTE BLANK 1997
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1997 Timothy Voon
3 :-) :-) :-) for a quirky little comedy about life and death
Cast: John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Dan Aykroyd, Joan Cusack, Alan Arkin, Jeremy Piven, Hank Azaria, Mitchell Ryan Director: George Armitage Screenplay: Tom Jankewicz, D.V. DeVincentis, Steve Pink, and John Cusack based on a story by Tom Jankewicz
Ever wanted to know what happened to Martin Blank (John Cusack), that otherwise pleasant young man who disappeared ten years ago leaving his girlfriend (Minnie Driver) in a $ 700 prom dress. From the class of 86 Grosse Pointe High some will become wealthy real estate agents, others lowly security guards. There will be a lonely radio talk show host, and most, if lucky, will get married once or twice; but sometimes, on that rare occasion of inspirational spontaneity, somebody will decide that they have the psychological profile of a killer and become a professional hitman. Three cheers for Martin Blank.
This movie made me laugh and laugh I did. It carries a free flowing audacity and lack of respect for everything and anything considered usual. Like when lovers meet again, under the tense circumstance of separation ten years earlier – first a thick big fat kiss (instead of a slap) before discussing the issues of hurt and betrayal over the local airways. This is followed by a heart warming scene of lovers reminiscing over old times by playing ‘aeroplane' on the bed – you know when somebody lifts your whole body up with their legs, and you pretend you can fly. God I love doing that, just don't do it on a full stomach.
So Martin has come back to Grosse Pointe to resolve the past, and also to find his future. When he holds a baby in his arms we get the feeling that it's time for him to put the gun down and start picking up the nappies. After years of assassinating presidents, officials, dogs and the odd other, there comes a time to settle and lead a more ordinary life. So in order to be forgiven his past, Martin needs to save the girl of his dreams and also her father. Only then can he properly proclaim his love for the darling one he should have married a very long time ago.
This is by far one of the most original, hilarious, quirky, well written comedies I've seen this year. It by far outshines that other high school reunion known simply as ‘Romy and Michelle', and is well worth watching again.
Timothy Voon e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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