Reviews

After reading some of the reviews on here, I felt compelled to write one myself simply because it seems most of the people who reviewed this film did not read the book it was based on (POP 1280 by Jim Thompson). Some found it astonishing that one would actually seek out this book in the first place (including the director), but I happen to be a Jim Thompson junkie and I would say POP 1280 stands as his best work in the "psycho-lawman" sub-genre that he single-handedly created. It's far superior to the Killer Inside Me although many would disagree with that. Long ago, when I found out there was an actual film based on this book, I had to find it and see it. Luckily it was at my local blockbuster, and I rushed home to view this take on one of my favorite Thompson books. I have to say, it was a bit off-putting to see the whole story transposed to Senegal. However, as the film played, I realized that this was actually quite a brilliant move by Bernard. Aside from the location and French actors, everything else is mostly retained from the book in terms of the dark humor and over-the-top situations. The acting is superb and the cinematography is just gritty enough to give it the feel it needs. This is one of the best Thompson adaptations and I highly recommend it, especially if you have read the novel. I also recommend seeking out Serie_Noire which is the French adaptation of A Hell of A Woman. It's not as good as this one, but it's still excellent.

I was thrilled by this great documentary chronicling the story of the bigger-than-life producer Robert Evans. Great pacing and some clever photo effects illustrate how Evans life was just as intriguing as most of the movies he'd produced (not the Godfather but certainly Popeye). And just when you thought things couldn't get any stranger in his story? Goddamn right they do, right up until the very end. I mean how many people break up Frank Sinatra's marriage, fire Francis Ford Coppola from the Godfather AND lose their wife to Steve McQueen all in one life time, let alone within a five year span? Only one man. Bobby Evans. Can the story get any better? I wouldn't be writing this if it didn't. With Evans himself narrating, along with some juicy photos and a great soundtrack, this documentary is gold. And the archive footage is straight from Evans' personal stash. Was it worth it? You bet your sweet cheeks it was.