you'll feel like taking a shower after seeing Sin City 



Went to see Sin City last night, and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. It was... unsettling. Brilliant. But unsettling. And even a little disturbing. Wherever Sin City is, I know I wouldn't want to live there (or even visit). So, would I recommend this movie? Yes, but with a lot of reservations. Sin City is not for the faint of heart, and it's definitely not a date movie. I never read Frank Miller's comic book, but I suspect it brought new meaning to the term graphic novel. It's a black-and-white bloodfest. But this movie has more style than probably any movie I've seen; it's visually stunning. The acting is fairly two-dimensional, across the board, but it all works within the context of this two-dimensional comic book world. The characters are all archetypes but are all as interesting as they are disturbing: Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke and Clive Owen were seemingly born to play the characters they portray. But I would have to say my favorite characters were the supporting roles: relative newcomer Devon Aoki as the samurai sword-wielding prostitute Miho is a thrilling character to watch, silent and deadly. Elijah Wood's "Kevin" would have given me nightmares if I were more squeamish; he never says a word and always has a thin, eerie smile on his lips, even when he's being hacked to bits. And, of course, Jessica Alba has always been a favorite of mine but mostly for her eye-candy appeal and not for her acting ability. Also, it was great to see Rutger Hauer back on the big-screen, even if it was just a small role. Hardcore film-noir fans will love this movie, I think, and that was probably my favorite thing about it. It perfects the genre. Who knows? Maybe Sin City will revive film-noir. And I don't think that would be a bad thing. But see Sin City for it's flawless style if nothing else... and only if you dare. If you can't stomach over-the-top violence, the darkest of subject matter and lots of gratuitous nudity... well, just be warned. 

Posted: Tue - April 5, 2005 at 12:45 PM           |

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