Review of 8MM (1999) by Bradley H — 31 Mar 2011

It's hard to believe that with subject matter as difficult and with a very gritty, dark and looming tone this movie isn't more heralded for what it is and not what it's not. You have your reasons for liking it or not but hear me out.

It has a very throw back noir feel that many movies can not accomplish. Nicholas Cage was perfect for the leading role and main character. His range may be limited to tortured or insane but he plays them both well. My overall reaction every time I watch this movie is a feeling of "I need a shower" or "Isn't the world a sick place". Movies can rarely evoke those feelings anymore the way they did in the 1970's and this does it well. Nicholas Cage, Joaquin Phoenix, James Gandolfini, Peter Stormare, Anthony Heald and Chris Bauer are at the top of their game and we get to watch it onscreen. I even forgave Joel Scumacher for all those bad movies when I saw this. It sends you reeling into the unknown and many times unexpected world of underground pornography. Snuff films may be the thing of legends but you will feel that they are indeed possible after this movie poses the question, "If you have everything, what else can money buy?".