This is not your mother's opera. This is a bloodier (although not as bloody/horror-ish as expected) and very dark film. Being compared to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, it has been heralded as a new cult favorite. It is definitely dark and gothic in picture; the kind where the guys wear just as much make-up. It plays much like Moulin Rouge would on acid; great plot with characters that intertwine much like a Shakespearian tragedy. As in the opera, the script is sung, while there are some parts that are more complete songs: 17 Is Better Than 40. And yes, there is opera in it's pure form, albeit sung in English by a hot younger woman. The set looks much like Blade Runner where the future looks much like the past (and I don't mean the 80's). Paul Sorvino is almost typecast in his role of the powerful man running Genco, the new organ transplant service and is the father of three differently-abled adult children. Yes, one of those is portrayed by Paris Hilton, but still does not detract from the story. If anything, it's an appropriate role for her. The other two brothers are differently messed up, but Pavi (Ogre from Skinny Puppy) is mesmerizing with his many faces. He also commands the "Repo" man whose job it is to take back the organs that were sold and not paid for. Good credit is really important. The young heroine Shilo (Alexa Vega from Spy Kids) is growing up with her single father trying to shelter her from the evils of this world that killed her mother. However her father has a big secret he is keeping from her and of course, she finds out in the worst of ways.
I expected this to be a very bad D-class movie with much gore and bad acting and I got quite the surprise. It is well acted, well cast and visually stunning. It was prepared for stage first and their cheering section grew. The Grave Robber who appears in the beginning of the show is one of the writers and originators of the idea. The premise has had much thought and is tight. Each character has a back story but it doesn't need to be shown in order to keep track of the character's scorecards. Even now I can still hum the tune of one of the songs, and that's after seeing it only once. There are a total of 58 songs in the film, including instrumentals. I honestly wasn't prepared for this to be such an enjoyable movie. Again, I caution the more gory/bloody scenes and there is a central drug addiction theme, not for everyone. However, having built up a bit of a tolerance, I enjoyed the film for what it was and won't be surprised if there are suddenly midnight showings at the local theaters around midnight; watching the young ones file in with heavy eyeliner and black dress.
BIG Bite: Original film with well thought out script despite the gore and heavy drama.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Make my day, make a comment!