Accountant William Blake is on the run for a murder which was actually more self-defense. Along the way he encounters a strange American Indian who mistakes him for the English writer with the same name. Meanwhile, bounty hunters become more and more convinced Blake is a ruthless murderer.
Johnny Depp (Blake), Gary Farmer (Nobody), Crispin Glover (Train Fireman), Lance Henriksen (Cole), Michael Wincott (Twill), Eugene Byrd (The Kid), John Hurt (Scholfield), Robert Mitchum (Dickinson), Iggy Pop (Jenko).
Dead Man may not be the most interesting story, but the storytelling method used in the film is unusual and entertaining. Somewhat reminiscent of spaghetti westerns, the film is shot in black and white with long fades. Many scenes are presented with little or no dialogue, strange scene focus, and unusual background music. Yet, the story is communicated well and in a dark way, remains entertaining.
Depp was pretty good in this one, quite possibly because he was young and less pretentious. Farmer was the real star however with excellent delivery of a very unusual character. Glover and Henriksen, who both do well in darker roles, did nicely here as well. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are a bit unusual in this one as mentioned. Despite the black and white filming, scenery was nicely used and fit the film. Action scenes were surprisingly lacking intensity but fitting and fun. Dialogue was sparse and once again, unusual. Sound and soundtrack however were awesome with an original score by Neil Young.
Although Dead Man: Special Edition may not appeal to everyone, you should give this one a chance. The storytelling method, filming, and even acting are interesting and move the story along fairly well. Those who enjoy darker films should enjoy this the most.
With some sexuality, mild nudity, violence, gore, and foul language, this really should be fine for older mature teens and above.
Released: 1996
Reviewed: 1.12.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Western, Drama, Fantasy, indie Drama
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
Johnny Depp (Blake), Gary Farmer (Nobody), Crispin Glover (Train Fireman), Lance Henriksen (Cole), Michael Wincott (Twill), Eugene Byrd (The Kid), John Hurt (Scholfield), Robert Mitchum (Dickinson), Iggy Pop (Jenko).
Dead Man may not be the most interesting story, but the storytelling method used in the film is unusual and entertaining. Somewhat reminiscent of spaghetti westerns, the film is shot in black and white with long fades. Many scenes are presented with little or no dialogue, strange scene focus, and unusual background music. Yet, the story is communicated well and in a dark way, remains entertaining.
Depp was pretty good in this one, quite possibly because he was young and less pretentious. Farmer was the real star however with excellent delivery of a very unusual character. Glover and Henriksen, who both do well in darker roles, did nicely here as well. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are a bit unusual in this one as mentioned. Despite the black and white filming, scenery was nicely used and fit the film. Action scenes were surprisingly lacking intensity but fitting and fun. Dialogue was sparse and once again, unusual. Sound and soundtrack however were awesome with an original score by Neil Young.
Although Dead Man: Special Edition may not appeal to everyone, you should give this one a chance. The storytelling method, filming, and even acting are interesting and move the story along fairly well. Those who enjoy darker films should enjoy this the most.
With some sexuality, mild nudity, violence, gore, and foul language, this really should be fine for older mature teens and above.
Released: 1996
Reviewed: 1.12.18
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Western, Drama, Fantasy, indie Drama
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
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