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Flesh and Bone
Haunted by memories of his father murdering a family, Arlis Sweeney prefers to keep to himself, focusing his energy on his work. One day, the traumatic past that eats away at him returns when he meets Kay Davies, a woman connected to the bloody event. Against all odds, Arlis and Kay fall in love; however, when his father, Roy, reappears in his life -- with the coldhearted Ginnie in tow -- Arlis must deal with his past demons.
Release : | 1993 |
Rating : | 6.2 |
Studio : | Paramount, Spring Creek Pictures, Mirage, |
Crew : | Art Department Coordinator, Art Direction, |
Cast : | Meg Ryan Dennis Quaid James Caan Gwyneth Paltrow Julia McNeal |
Genre : | Drama Thriller Romance |
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Reviews
Lack of good storyline.
The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.
To be honest, I had never heard of this film until I came across it on- line. The blurb sounded OK so I thought why not, it is slow and I could sort of see where it was going but having said that, the acting is good from all the main leads. A young Gwyneth Paltrow plays a brilliant misguided young woman who certainly has a murky past. I have never been a big Meg Ryan fan but this is probably the best performance I have seen from her, too bad it happened 20 years ago. The story is, as I've already said, quite easy to predict. The hole thing revolves around a traumatic incident which is witnessed by a young boy. Dennis Quaid plays the grown up version of that young boy and does it convincingly with an understated performance.I've given this film a 7/10 overall. I'd give the acting 10/10 and also the script 10/10. The characters are believable and the acting is quite naturalistic. The reason I give the film overall a 7 is the predictability.
If this film had been made in black-and-white in the 1940s, it would surely by now be regarded as a classic. But shot in sweeping colour, set against panoramas of the Texas outback, to a backdrop alternating between isolated bars and run-down motels, sunny plains and dark rainstorms, this must be one of the best modern films noir I've seen in a long time.The four main characters -- played brilliantly and understatedly by Quaid, Ryan, Caan and Paltrow -- are bound together as events unfold and their layers are gradually peeled back for us: aspects of the darker side of human nature that raise questions about blood ties ("flesh and bone") and feelings, guilt and conscience (or the lack of it), and responsibility.I'm surprised I haven't come across this film before, and delighted to have have it now in my collection. An unsung gem, tersely written and thoughtfully directed by Steve Kloves, and brilliantly visualised by cinematographer Philippe Rousselot and editor Mia Goldman. There are no excesses, great little touches and observations, hidden depths, and a lean story. Definitely one to see again.
A decent film noir, with all the characteristics of the genre. The movie was far too long though, and the ending was totally illogical. I am not one for happy endings usually, but that should have been the only plausible one considering the plot and happenings in the film.On the positive side, some good characterization, and a nice depiction of the American heartland ("cracker land"); truly depressing... Dennis Quaid, James Caan and Gwyneth Paltrow all put in good, convincing performances. Most of all though, for me the best part of this film was Meg Ryan, I just love to watch her, and in this movie she is just great! An Oscar-worthy performance (I admit this is subjective though).
I think if this movie had some carbs, everything would have been OK. Meg might have filled out her Boom Boom top. Dennis maybe wouldn't have scowled in every scene. James wouldn't have to shoot all the dirty pig farmers in their PJs. And Mrs. Se7en could have stirred up a bowl of mac & cheese for her old man instead of ripping off the dead. I guess those candy bars are carbs, but as ole Dennis says those suckers give you those nasty pin worms from sitting out in the sun. Maybe they should have called it Flesh and Bone and Noodles or something like that. By the way, Dennis, what half wit would hire that guy who was ripping you off? Everyone knows you can't trust that guy...