THE QUICK AND THE DEAD
A film review by Ben Hoffman
Copyright 1995 Ben Hoffman
You probably will not believe it but besides BASIC INSTINCT which brought her instant fame, Sharon Stone has appeared in twenty-one other films. That includes a quickie moment in Woody Allen's STARDUST MEMORIES when he catches a glimpse of her on a passing train. THE QUICK AND THE DEAD was supposed to make us forget the films that went nowhere but this one will not do it.
From the opening scene of a cowboy on his horse approaching us at top speed across the range, there was a noticeable giggle in the audience. Everyone, it seems, guessed it was our first glimpse of Ellen (Sharon Stone) and for some reason it looked funny. It just was not the Sharon Stone we have come to know and love.
The remainder of the film has nothing to add. It is a typical Western. Instead of a dusty cowboy seeking revenge on some bad guy (Gene Hackman, in this case), it is a woman who is out to get him for his role in having her father, a Marshall, killed when Ellen was just about ten years old.
There are plenty of tough hombres in the town of Redemption which Herod (Hackman) runs with the help of his cronies. To reduce the number, each year he stages a shooting contest, with the winner (he who remains alive) getting a large cash prize. As Herod is the fastest draw in town, guess who always wins? And guess who hates him for that: his son, "Kid," (Leonardo DiCaprio) who gets no respect from his old man.
This year there is a slight change in the :hootout; a woman is going to participate and, as the rules never said a woman could not be in the contest, Ellen is allowed in. Ah, revenge!
As acting goes, there is not very much in the film to challenge anyone. Sharon never cracks a smile, Hackman never stops his sneering smile, DiCaprio has little to do. The story is not supposed to be taken seriously (said Director Raimi) and you can bet that no one will.
Others in the cast include Russell Crowe who used to be in Herod's gang but decided he would rather be on the side of God. Then there are gunfighters played by Lance Henriksen, Keith David, Tobin Bell and Jonathan Gill.
Directed by Sam Raimi.
1.5 bytes 4 Bytes = Absolutely must see. 3 Bytes = Too good to be missed. 2 Bytes = So so. 1 Byte = Save your money.
Ben Hoffman
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