Re: RARA-AVIS: The films based on Charles Williams

From: BaxDeal@aol.com
Date: 11 Sep 2006


In a message dated 9/10/06 10:14:34 PM, filmtroll@sbcglobal.net writes:

> The movie "The Hot Spot" was pretty true to the book.  All of the plot
> details and key scenes were found in the book, to the best of my memory. 
>
> I don't recall the movie coming out in the theater, but I'd have to say it's
> a pretty good neo-noir thriller and unfairly maligned.  Virginia Madsen is
> terrific as the manipulating femme fatale, and it's unfortunate that she
> wallowed in B-movie-dom for years and only now is beginning to get some
> recognition for her talents.   Don Johnson was still trying hard to be a good actor at
> that point in his career (1990) and is perfectly cast as the classic noir
> anti-hero who thinks he's much smarter than he really is, and is too stupid and
> egotistical to see the walls closing in.  Also the movie was directed by
> Dennis Hopper, yes THAT Dennis Hopper, who understands his Texas milieu and is
> really good at wallowing in the sleazy world but also handles the humor and
> irony of the book well.  I heartily recommend "Hot Spot" to any noir movie fans.
>
> I'm sure it's been discussed here before but "Dead Calm" is also an amazing
> Charles Williams adaptation.  The movie is essentially a three character
> drama and Director Philip Noyce ratchets up the tension.  A genuinely creepy
> thriller with excellent performances by a young Nicole Kidman and Billy Zane...
> yes Billy Zane can act... who knew? 
>

The Hot Spot did get a theatrical release, at least in Los Angeles. wasn't in theaters long. I liked it very much

and Billy Zane showed a lot of promise back then, didn't he?

John Lau

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