THE LAST SEDUCTION
A film review by Rich Siegel
Copyright 1995 Rich Siegel
Starring: Linda Fiorentino, Peter Berg, J.T. Walsh, Bill Pullman Directed by: John Dahl Screenplay: Steve Barancik Produced by: Jonathan Shestack Released by: October Films
THE LAST SEDUCTION is director John Dahl's follow up to his sleeper hit RED ROCK WEST, and like his prior film, this one involves a decent, honest, albeit somewhat naive small town guy who unwittingly gets between a criminal couple who've developed a rather lethal dislike for each other. In this case, small town insurance adjuster Mike Swale (Peter Berg) falls for Bridget Gregory (Linda Fiorentino), a mysterious no-nonsense, tough-talking New Yorker who shows up at his hometown bar and immediately bowls him over with her sophisticated style and unselfconscious expression of her sexual needs. What Mike doesn't know is: she's hiding out from her crooked-doctor husband Clay (Bill Pullman) from whom she's just stolen all the proceeds from a big, once-in-a-lifetime drug deal he's just completed.
The film centers on Bridget, who's brutally cold and manipulating, a natural-born grifter. She unfolds her crafty schemes to safeguard her stolen fortune with the cool precision of a master spy from the old "Mission Impossible" TV series. You can almost see her mind racing ahead of each scene, planning just the right moves to keep the hapless Mike--or anyone else she needs to control--on her string.
Linda Fiorentino is a joy to watch in this role. Despite her character's utter lack of kindness or conscience, her virtually unshakable confidence, her wit and her sexual brashness make her character engaging and enjoyable to watch.
Bill Pullman, as Bridget's husband Clay, is effective as a sort of pale reflection of Bridget. While he has the same basic sensibilities as his wife, he just doesn't have the smarts or talent to compete with her.
Peter Berg's Mike is an appropriately self-conscious yokel; keenly aware of his lack of sophistication and judgment when it comes to "city girls." He's not stupid--well, maybe a little; But basically, he's just a regular guy. Against the likes of Bridget, however, he has no chance.
Bridget's lawyer (J. T. Walsh) is the only person Bridget seems to have any respect for. He provides Bridget with sage advice and moral support over the telephone. He's the only one who understands her true nature: "Anyone check you for a heartbeat lately?", he asks her at one point.
THE LAST SEDUCTION is tighter and more suspenseful than RED ROCK WEST. The dialog is crisp and to the point. The cool-but-tense feel of the film is sustained throughout. The understated jazz score by John Vitarelli adds the perfect mood to this very enjoyable film.
Rated: R - (language, nudity, sexual situations)
Reviewed by: Rich Siegel 1/2/95 - Portland, OR.
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