8mm

Starring: Nicholas Cage, Joaquin Phoenix, James Gandolfini
Directed by: Joel Schumacher
Rating: R
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A private investigator (Nicholas Cage) is hired by a rich window to uncover the truth behind an 8mm film of a girl being sexually abused and killed. His search for the truth takes him deep into the porn and snuff film industry, and could ultimately cost him his life.

Review:

Tim: Critics were none too gentle with Joel Schumacher's attempt at a gruesome, pull-no-punches look into the illegal porn industry. I personally think most critics have absolutely no idea what they are talking about, so I advise you not to listen to them (although I do recommend you listen to me... figure that out on your own).

I believe 8mm (pronounced 8 millimeter, for you lay people out there) has a great deal to offer. First, this thriller achieves some of its success because of its dark and twisted storyline. This film is not for the faint of heart. Oftentimes, it makes you want to either turn it off or look away. For those strong-willed viewers who can make it through the entire film, I can't promise you will be rewarded and proud, but you might catch a film that isn't as bad as many believe it to be.

Nicholas Cage gives a good performance. As a man struggling with the outside world as well as himself, Cage brings this to the screen intelligently. His performance isn't spectacular in any sense, however. The best performance is by Joaquin Phoenix, who plays a character unlike those you'd expect to see him play. Regardless, it is interesting enough to see Cage tackle a darker role than some of his ventures into action movies (he certainly has had his share of dark roles).

I think I like this film mostly because it is so unlike most of the films I enjoy. This dark thriller definitely has its flaws, but at the end, it is worth at least one viewing.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Adaptation, Signs, Gladiator, The Silence of the Lambs, Seven, Batman and Robin, Raising Arizona