|
 Spun
Starring:
Jason Schwartzman, John Leguizamo, Brittany Murphy, Mena Suvari,
Patrick Fugit, Mickey Rouke, Deborah Harry, Peter Stormare, Alexis
Arquette and Eric Roberts.
Directed by:Jonas Akerlund
Written by: Will de Los Santos & Creighton Vero
Rated: R
Buy
it
Bluntly
speaking? Spun
is by far one of the most visually unique films I've ever seen.
I admit I adore the offbeat and relish when a filmmaker creates
not just a film but also a piece of art. Yes, I called a film
about, basically, crystal meth addiction art. Its also
Spun's glorious style and editing design that makes the
performances themselves addictive.
Though
the film is not for all…as the cast of hot young talents
play crusty losers hell bent on the next fix…but as a composite
this is delightful film making beginning to end.
We
meet Ross (Jason Schwartman) as he's trying to score his next
high at Spider Mike's (John Leguizamo). When he gets there mayhem
(which you immediately get the idea is commonplace in this abode)
is running rampant. Spider and his filthy whacked out gal Cookie
(Mena Suvari) are so far gone into their mind's crevices they
run about like appliances plugged into a socket juicing double
the current. Hilarious and sad at the very same time.
Spider's
lost his stash. That doesn't stop Ross. He's on a mission. Seizing
an opportunity he attaches himself to Nikki (Brittany Murphy).
She's the trampy dealers' dealer. This new found "friendship"
gets the sinking boy firmly belted in the front car of an amusement-like
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride of the underworld. He becomes her boyfriend's
assistant and goes on a helluva four-day excursion from life.
The
boyfriend, known as "The Cook" (Mickey Rourke), is an
expert at the recipes of elastic concoctions. The Cook sits in
a fume infested rat hole brewing up batches of meth for his dealers.
Grab on and watch closely...it's gonna be something else!
The
script is fantastic. The feel of the film, with its over exposed
hues and kinetic edits dolloped with bizarre cartoons, is delightfully
different…and best of all it showcases the talent these young
actors have. The soundtrack, by ex-Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan
is worthy of immediate purchase. And as if all these wonderful
factors were not enticing enough, the film also gives Mickey Rouke
a chance to remind folks why he was once the "it" boy
of Hollywood. His looks, which were mesmerizing and could drive
a gal to rabid Rhesus monkey madness, are gone. True. But the
ease of performance he exudes is not. The filmmakers buddy him
up for a delicious scene with Eric Roberts for a great, if all
too brief, scene that brings the two back to screen in a quazi-reunion
of sorts. They starred in the wonderful career starting film The
Pope of Greenwich Village once upon a time… I was misty
eyed.
Jason
Schwartzman is fantastic as a guy, Ross, trapped in a world he
may still have a chance to find the rabbit hole from. A remarkable
performance.
I
am a huge fan of both Mena Suvari and Brittany
Murphy. Yes, even after Brit's horrific Just
Married faux pas…forgive. They are two phenomenal
talents willing to scruff up and toss ego away for the role. Mena
can not be accused of being a prima donna - ever - after her little
"bathroom" scene in this. And Brittany too relishes
in her role as a less than good girl trash heap. Bravo!
John Leguizamo is a friggin' treasure. Another guy that jumps
in two feet first and just gives 150% all the time.
There's a side story running about trashed out expose styled cops
shooting a reality show called "Busted.' The two eccentric
officers, played by Peter Stormare and Alexis Arquette, are our
comic relief in a sea of wasted lives. Both do a hilarious job
in a John Waters meets Fox TV way.
Less
I forget Frisbee played by Patrick Fugit. He's the stoner that's
always hanging about in the dealers den. Fugit is spot on as the
stereo typed go no where drug teen that'll most likely end up
dead or incarcerated for life. Not a bad guy…just a stupid
human with no aspirations or brains. Classic and in the hands
of Pat just brilliant.
I
adored Spun for all the fore mentioned reasons. It's a
breath of fresh air. A tasty treat for any thespian junkie. Not
a Hollywood cut out by any means (thank da god in himmel) so be
prepared and just enjoy.
Snack
Recommendation: Beer and Almond cookies
DVD
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Director's,
Producer's and Writers' Commentary
Widescreen presentation
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby, 2Channel Dolby, French 5.1
Scene Selections
Interactive Menus
Music Video
Subtitles
Delected Scenes
Trailers - Including Cook Trailer
|
