Man, what a downer of a film. But it’s also extremely well written and well performed. This is probably the third time I’ve seen the film and I really took notice to the fact that Nicolas Cage’s Ben Sanderson really isn’t the central character in the film. That role belongs to Elisabeth Shue (KARATE KID) as prostitute Sera. This is emphasized in the beginning with having a lengthy prologue with Ben in L.A.
The film establishes the reasons for Ben’s quest to drink himself to death then once Ben heads to Vegas the credits finally kick in. At this point Ben’s fate is virtually sealed. That beginning part is all set up and now the film can really begin. How things turn out for Sera are still up in the air though. Sera is still haunted by her pimp/boyfriend Yuri (Julian Sands, TIMECODE), who is in debt with some gangsters.
The fascinating thing about Sera is how her good traits sometimes do her wrong. By nature she likes to take care of people. It seems this has led her into prostitution and eventually leads to her falling for drunken Ben, who on their first “date” doesn’t want sex from her but just wants her company. Ben’s reasons for this are deep and layered as well, which the film slyly reveals over time. Sera likes Ben a lot because he’s kind to her, but will she be able to watch him die?
The film presents no easy answers to the questions and in so presents a very haunting tale. Cage was well deserving of his Oscar even if he does play some moments a bit over the top. It’s in the more subtle moments that he really shines and makes the character real. Shue has never been better. It may be the performance of her life. She is the glue that holds the film together and allows us to care for Ben. Desperate loneliness brings these characters together and the film nails the right tone in capturing those feelings. It is in getting that loneliness right that the film transforms these two pathetic losers into a tragic romance that does not leave your mind easily.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
