Arizona Dream Details

Talented European directors often fail to succeed in transferring their specific view of life to English-language cinema, and this sprawling eccentric drama from Bosnian film-maker Emir Kusturica is a case in point; Kusturica, director of the acclaimed Time of the Gypsies and When Father Was Away on Business, fails to do himself justice. Nevertheless, it remains mesmerisingly watchable, largely owing to the superb performances of an eclectic cast, particularly the marvellous Faye Dunaway in one of her best roles as the emotional wreck that drifter Johnny Depp falls for, and the cleverly cast Jerry Lewis as Depp's very practical uncle. Cult favourites Vincent Gallo and Lili Taylor also emerge with credit. Despite their efforts, however, it still doesn't really work.

A quirky fantasy, sometimes engaging, sometimes maddening in its deliberate oddness, but always original and often surprising.