A runaway teenager who thieves from vending machines is asked to do a job by a friend. Excited by the prospect of more easy money he sets off with his girlfriend and some friends... Read more
| Starring | Melanie Griffith, James Woods, Vincent Kartheiser, Natasha Gregson Wagner |
|---|---|
| Director | Larry Clark |
| Genres | Drama |
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A runaway teenager who thieves from vending machines is asked to do a job by a friend. Excited by the prospect of more easy money he sets off with his girlfriend and some friends...
| Starring | Melanie Griffith, James Woods, Vincent Kartheiser, Natasha Gregson Wagner |
|---|---|
| Director | Larry Clark |
| Studio | PRISM LEISURE |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 40 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: not available Production year: 1999 |
| Format | DVD |
This compelling glimpse into outlaw life in the American Midwest during the 1970s from director Larry Clark is nowhere near as controversial as his first feature, kids, but it's just as grim and gritty. At the centre of this disturbing look at thug bravado and emotional vulnerability is a charismatic drugs dealer (James Woods), who persuades a teenage runaway (Vincent Kartheiser) and his junkie girlfriend (Natalie Wood's daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner) to help him pull a bank heist. It's when things go horribly wrong and the dysfunctional family is torn apart that this devastating road movie really hits home. As Woods's heroin-addicted lover, Melanie Griffith gives the performance of her career in a sobering and shocking tale.
Hectic road movie, set in sleazy motels and featuring various varieties of low-life, given an extra jolt by the nervy authenticity of the performances of Woods and Griffith.
A bitter sweet, coming of age tale based on a true story of a four small-time crooks who take on one score too many.
Directed by the enigmatic Larry Clark, it is clear throughout that his maverick style has been restricted a little by the film's producer and star James Woods. To a certain extent the film suffers and despite dealing with intense issues such as teenage pregnancy, heroin addiction and murder, Another Day In Paradise is neither as alarming or compelling as Clark's "Kids" or "Bully".
That said, Clarks stark cinematography still manages to deliver several shocking moments and any artistic constraints on the direction are compensated for by a superbly charming performance from Woods in the lead role. The hilariously frank interview with Woods contained within the Extras feature is reason to rent this film alone. His hilarious thoughts on the cast, crew and the film industry in general are refreshingly honest as Woods asserts his claim as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Robert Wagner's wayward daughter never seems to get it right when picking roles with the exception of her cameo as a DJ in the Fantastic High Fidelity.
James Woods and Angel's Vincent Cartheiser stars as a couple of thieves in this abortive crime road picture. Unless you like weak storylines and overspun dialogue, do yourself a favour and avoid at all costs.