MovieChat Forums > The Way of the Gun (2000) Discussion > First time watched vs all the other time...

First time watched vs all the other times

posted 13 years ago by eoval
5 replies | jump to latest

I watched it VERY shortly after the DVD was released and my impression was that there was not a single character in the entire film who was worthy of redemption. I even described it as such to others. (I still loved it.)

I've watched it probably 20 times since then (its in my top 5 all time movie list) and I continue to be amazed at the dearth of subtext that exist in every single scene of this film. Thye characters are rich, the dialogue is Mamet - worthy, the tension is palpable, and the settings all appropriately sketchy. I LOVE THIS MOVIE. (James Caan was phenomenal, btw...)

Liberals think conservatives are evil;
Conservatives think liberals are stupid...

[–] aGuiltySoul 13 years ago

But I think you perhaps used the word "dearth" in error. Perhaps you meant, "plenitude." ...I continue to be amazed at the plenitude of subtext that exists in every single scene of this film."

One of the most entertaining films ever. Amazingly well done all around. A gem of (rather obscure) cinema.

"I'd never ask you to trust me. It's the cry of a guilty soul."

[–] house_head1753 13 years ago

One of the greatest elements of this movie is that there are no "good guys". I can't think of another movie I've ever seen where there wasn't even a character that fit the "anti-hero" archetype. It's probably the most compelling and original aspect of the movie. It was a really bold move for Chris McQuarrie, that unfortunatey didn't pan out (at least to a wider audience). From what I've read, he had reservations about doing another crime movie, but got muscled into making it. My theory has always been that he made it this way as a big old "f you" to the people that wouldn't let him make anything else.

[–] aGuiltySoul 13 years ago

Definitely a big *beep* you to those in the industry that took his award winning momentum for The Usual Suspects and squandered it. No one compelled him to make this, in fact he faced nothing but discouragement. Fortunately, none came from the excellent cast. This was a vanity piece. BTW, the commentary on the DVD is well worth listening to. McQuarrie said he started the film with the premise that there would be NO heroes, just deeply flawed characters all around. Sort of an allegory for the industry, I surmise.

"I'd never ask you to trust me. It's the cry of a guilty soul."

[–] house_head1753 13 years ago

Watching the whole movie with the commentary running is one of those things on my "been meaning to do that list" for a while. I should probably get on that. I almost never run the commentary tracks on my DVD's. I'll occasionally go back and rewatch a scene or two, but never the whole movie.

[–] aGuiltySoul 13 years ago

There we differ. I watch the commentary of all films I like and some that I don't particularly. Some commentaries are better than others. But there's always a good reason to listen to the creator talking about his creative process...and the sometimes crazy casting. His brother is the guy who walks up to the gas station bathroom and is told, "Use the bushes." And there's also something interesting about the closing scene at the shoot out.

"I'd never ask you to trust me. It's the cry of a guilty soul."