"Wolf" is the first film I can recommend unconditionally that's been released this summer. It's got a great script with a fair number of memorable lines. The performances are uniformly strong, and Michelle in paticular plays one of the most interesting characters I've ever seen her do. Jack is as nasty as he needs to be, but the rest of the time he delivers a subtle, con- trolled performance. Mike Nichols directs the whole thing with his usual re- straint, but with more visual flair than you might expect. By playing the fant sy element down and working with well-written characters and situations, he manages to ground what would ordinarily be an out-and-out ridiculous plot. The plot turns are set up well in advance, but I didn't see them coming (ex- cept for perhaps the last one, and it didn't bother me). Morricone's score is moody and supports the film well in general, even if it isn't totally compel- ling on its own. This isn't a paticularly scary film (it slow pacing and short climax may irritate some), but it is compelling and suspenseful. Rick Baker's makeup is well-executed, though it may be disappointing to those expecting another "American Werewolf" or "Howling" high-water mark in effects work. Low key is definately the idea here, which I think works just fine considering what was needed. Kudos go also to James Spader who may take the "Slimy Shit of the Millenium" award away from the Company fella in "Aliens". The blood level is fairly high, but not anything that anyone who's seen "Bram Stoker's Dracula" can't handle. The sex scenes are quite low key as is the rest of the film. It definately makes you sit up and notice when the action gets going. An extra bonus is the trailer for the Coppola/Branaugh "Frankenstein"...similar to "Dracula" in its visual voluptuousness and sexual emphasis. Not quite as capital-G Gothic or as capital-D Designed, though. Still, very cool looking and shows promise. Can't wait for November 4th...or was it September? I for- get. Anyway, check out "Wolf". As the saying goes, you'll be glad you did.
- Jeff "He Won't Get Far On Hot Air and Fantasy" Pidgeon
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- Jeff "When I'm Finished With You, They'll Be Stumbling Over YOU In The Dark" Pidgeon
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