.45
(2006)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Film: C+
Milla
Jovovich and Angus Macfadyen are a dysfunctional, oversexed couple heading for
potential disaster in Gary Lennon’s .45
(2006), a somewhat ambitious drama about their relationship and how ugly street
life can be. They seem to be happy in
their gritty existence, but there are odd entanglements with the police, drugs,
sex, exploitation and crudeness that makes one wonder how anyone can live that
way.
Writer/director
Lennon has a decent cast including Stephen Dorff in a supporting role, but as
soon as he reaches the big turning point, he does not know where to go with the
story and telling it in flashback once again is a big problem because it shows
(whether he realizes it or not) prevents his work from going all the way. He is afraid to get his hands completely
dirty, this suddenly becomes pretentious and crude dialogue that may seem funny
and real quickly becomes a spoof of itself.
Too bad, because this could have worked well. Instead, it becomes another semi-indie
project that is more boutique than bold.
The
anamorphically enhanced 1.85 X 1 image is not great, but Teddoro Maniaci’s
cinematography is gritty without gutted color and other stupid digital
enhancements. I bet this could look a
little better. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix
is not too hot and lacks surrounds big time.
Dialogue is clear, but the low budget comes through. Extras include trailers for this & a few
other THINKFilm releases and Lennon’s feature-length commentary.
- Nicholas Sheffo
