The knock on this movie is that it is all surface; that the plot is confused; that the acting stinks. To that I say: picky, picky, picky. Yes it is all surface, all visual. but to complain about that would be like complaining about a painting being all visual. That is the nature of the work. There are some great visulal moments like early on with a view of rain dripping off of Kate Beckinsale's supernaturally long fingers. The problem is that it is not as visually powerful as BLADE or THE CROW although it is in the same genre. If that is your cup of tea (or blood) see it. Don't worry about someone spoiling it for you by telling you about it. Since it is entirely visual, there can't be a spoiler.
Reviews
3 Reviews
The Principles of Lust
(2003)
INTIMACY meets FIGHT CLUB
18 September 2003
This hypersexual hyperviolent film winds up addressing serious issues perhaps in spite of it self and its writer-director Penny Woolcock who was present at the screening I saw along with female lead Sienna Guillory at the Toronto Film Festival. Paul, a would be writer, starts a primarily sexual relationship with Juliette including carefree intimacy in public which gives Paul the sense that he is living life on the edge. Also in his life is Billy, the apotheosis of the edge and a good stand in for The Prince of Darkness. Ultimately Paul must address the difference between observing life and living life and having a fantasy vs. living a fantasy. Do things have a point or are things the point in themselves? This film is strong enough to not provide answers.
For those who have asked the question, Ms. Woolcock replies that the bare-knuckle children show that Billy is always moving on to a higher level of outrageousness.
For those who have asked the question, Ms. Woolcock replies that the bare-knuckle children show that Billy is always moving on to a higher level of outrageousness.
PTU
(2003)
Cinema noir in color.
18 September 2003
This Hong Kong policier is a classic of its kind, a technically updated version of what America has not produced in fifty years. Lloyd Nolan or Lee Marvin could walk on at any time. Tough cops and tough criminals beat each other up without whining. It is ultra cool and thoroughly enjoyable without asking any earth-shattering questions. The only way to not like it is to not like the genre.
Tell Your Friends