Music Everywhere-Re-run
Tuesday 29 May @ 12:18:59 |
 Film: Overlooked Gem “Deuces Wild”
by DWIGHT HOBBES
When Jennifer Hudson, who’s been in the business for about all of 20 minutes, can walk off with an Oscar, besting veterans who’ve been at their craft for years, you know for sure what you figured all along: the fix is in and artistry is an asterisk. Sure, the profoundly gifted Forrest Whitaker won Best Actor for “Last King of Scotland,” but you can chalk that up as glitch. Hardly breaking news as far as Hollywood goes, but it doesn’t mean folk that love damned good movies should just say to hell with American cinema. You simply have to look hard and find worthwhile fare. Accordingly, presented for your discerning consideration: a Best Picture caliber flick that got lost in the proverbial sauce and that certainly deserves a look-see. So, go check it out on DVD.
“Deuces Wild” (at about 10 bucks in the cheapo section, you’d need a gun to make a better steal) came and went in the theaters to scant notice. Well, it’s a world-class winner, starring excellent actors Stephen Dorff, Norman Reedus and Matt Dillon, skillfully directed by Scott Kalvert, executing Paul Kimatian and Christopher Gambal’s flawless script. Set in Sunset Park (Brookyln, N.Y.’s version of Hell’s Kitchen) circa the 50s, this is a devastating tragedy of gang-related, white-on-white crime that centers on a tough, ghetto-bound young man determined to keep drugs out of his community. Dorff (who must’ve really pissed off the wrong Tinseltown power brokers, since he’s relegated these days to scrounging up work in B-movies) is riveting. He plays complex protagonist Leon, fighting to keep heroin out of the ’hood after his baby brother was given a lethal hot-shot by soulless pusher Marco. Reedus, in the role of ruthless sleaze bag Marco, is so frightening his shadow must be scared to follow him around. Matt Dillon fascinates in a wonderfully understated performance as the catalyst Fritzy, the kingpin over all illegal activity in the area. You follow this tightly written story every step of the way, right up to the jaw-dropping climax. And, at the closing moments, will find yourself actually breathing a sigh of relief that there is hope for at least of few of the characters. For good measure the supporting cast flat-out kills. Brad Renfro (years ago, he was the little snot-nosed protagonist in film version of John Grishams’ “The Client”) convinces as Bobby, Leon’s surviving brother. Fairuza Balk, regrettably has been typecast throughout her career as one slightly (sometimes not so slightly) crazed, mean- as-hell sexpot. Here, she gets to show depth and range, playing Annie, a salty chick whose hard demeanor shields the young woman who wants more of a future than scraping out a life on Brooklyn’s mean streets. And there’s Vincent Pastore, who steps away from a catalog of playing tough-guy, Mafia flunkies to show much more dimension as Father Aldo, the Catholic priest who wants Leon to a higher, faith-based road instead of Leon’s bringing it to Marco with bare-knuckled brawling. Drea de Matteo delivers what could have been a breakout performance as Leon’s lady love, Betsy. Transcending the industry bent for women as appendages, she takes this fully realized character and runs with it, depicting both icy attitude and, when trauma strikes, heartrending vulnerability. You’ve also got Deborah Harry (yes, believe or not, she can act), who is splendid as Wendy, Annie’s addled mom and TV workhorse Louis Lombardi giving exquisite comic relief in this galvanizing drama, as Marco’s cousin and lieutenant, the hapless Philly Babe.
“Deuces Wild” actors, writers and director weren’t even nominated for, much less won anything at the 2002 Academy Awards. What can I say? That’s Hollywood for you. Later for ’em. Do yourself a favor and see this film.
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