At Close Range
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Movie Reviews of At Close Range
Movie Review: "Hands Down, A Winner"
Summary: 5 Stars
"At Close Range" is a classic example of a movie in which all aspects of the filmmaker's art shine; if it isn't already, it should be required viewing for students in film schools. First of all, the Kazan script, which details the growing into manhood of the Sean Penn character, skillfully combines the luridly violent with the ultimately noble, its resolution having Penn, without his becoming a goody two-shoes, credibly endorse the virtues of the civilized over the flashy and brutish.
The color photography, unexpected in a neo-noir film, works remarkably well as it turns out, being consistently beautiful (in the rural landscapes) and imaginative (for example, in its scenes of the gang members marching single file, silhouetted against a dusky sky.) Each image in the film appears to have been composed with great aesthetic care, reminding this viewer of the directorial art of such a master as William Wyler.
The acting in this movie can't be praised highly enough. Christopher Walken, always good as a villian with a sarcastic bent, here outdoes himself as a self-centered father, doing evil not for its own sake, but for HIS own sake. As his initially impressionable and then maturing son, Sean Penn combines a youth's brooding qualities with an astonishing ability as an adult male to scream and even cry on screen, becoming intensely moving in such moments.
As earlier reviewers have insisted, this film deserves to be far better known.
Movie Review: Superlative filmmaking...
Summary: 5 Stars
It's official... "At Close Range" is here on DVD! I've seen an early release copy of the film, and it turns out the DVD transfer is ABSOLUTELY SUPERB. I can't evaluate the sound because I have only a stereo hookup (sounded good in stereo), but it's clear a lot of work went into video restoration and the actual transfer to MPEG format. This is likely the best transfer to DVD I've seen of any 1980's film -- the picture is clear and bright, and the colors are absolutely beautiful. Offered in single layer format, with widescreen on one side and pan-and-scan on the other. The only unfortunate thing is that there aren't any special features (only a theatrical preview)... it's too bad, but don't let that discourage you from getting this film on DVD!As for the story itself, this is perhaps Christopher Walken's best performance -- but there isn't a single poor performance in the entire film. Superlative production values and fantastic acting and music help support this film, which is based on a true story (and apparently based pretty closely, from what I've heard). As for the plot itself, I won't comment too much (a lot has been said here already and on the Internet Movie Database), but if you like crime dramas and teen romances (and can handle some violence), you'll likely love this film. 9/10, or 5/5 stars.
Movie Review: Underappreciated Gem
Summary: 5 Stars
Sean and Chris Penn are perfectly cast as sons (Sean the fathers namesake)of rural theft ring boss Christopher Walken. When life in quiet PA. town with mom and stepfather becomes boring and without opportunity, Sean falls in with ne'er do well dad and uncles stealing cars,tractors,trucks and tools from local landowners.Younger brother Chris soon follows suit and both fall in over their heads as federal grand juries meet and a case is built against the crew.
Walken doesn't play the kingpin role here, he's a more common variety of crook whose rewards are muscle cars and above ground pools instead of Benzes and bling. Walken is very dangerous in the narrow and amoral ways of his "big small-time" thief whose life may be crashing down soon and must be ruthless to protect the illict spoils he is used to. As the Penn brothers characters are only in their late teens, they both quickly realize how fast life moves and how deep their crimes have become.
Cinematography is top-notch in depicting Mid-Atlantic country life and innocent pleasures that will soon be gone. Great support roles by Mary Stuart Masterson and Candy Clark as two very different young women who are the father and son's girfriends.
Based on a true story.
Movie Review: I have a tale to tell...
Summary: 5 Stars
At Close Range is a dark but outstandingly beautiful movie starring Sean Penn (I Am Sam) and Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter) and directed by James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross). Based on a true story of the Johnston family crimes. The name was changed for dramatic purposes to Whitewood. Sean Penn plays young Brad Jr who is lured by Brad Sr, played remarkably by Walken, into his gang of thieves. When Brad Jr finds out that the gang does more than just steal, but also murder, he decides to walk out leading the movie to the very frightful and haunting events that followed.
The movie was nominated only for a Berlin International Film Festival award. Why it was not nominated for any Golden Globes or Oscars is a mystery. The movie presents very strong performances from its lead actors as well as the supporting cast that includes Mary Stuart Masterson, Crispin Glover, Keifer Sutherland, and Sean Penn's younger brother Chris Penn.
The movie also has an incredibly bittersweet musical score, taken from Madonna's wonderful song 'Live To Tell'
Very Recommended
A
Movie Review: The Truer Story...
Summary: 5 Stars
"At Close Range" is a film that, at the gut level, pursues its audience long after viewing. The brilliant manifestation of acting genius by Penn and Walken is only matched by the haunting realization of this "true story." Undoubtedly, that old saying that true-life is more compelling than fiction takes hold in this case. In all, "At Close Range" digs at the heart of its audience and, with as much attention to sincerity as Hollywood allows, surpasses the disconnect of reality and nightmare. (Something as equally interesting; Mary Stuart Masterson's character in the film was included on behalf of her real-life model Robin Miller--my aunt. The company producing the film was denied permission by my grandmother to use Robin's name, so Hollywood did what it does best--they changed names, capitalized on someone else's tragedy, and denied royalties to the victim's family. I would say, too, that there are only a handful of us who actually know the truer story behind this film, and it is viciously haunting.)