Review of Bad Lieutenant (1992) by Matt G — 13 Apr 2008

Just like Ferrara's film, The Addiction, this film is a deep thoughtful and theological work of art. Harvey Keitel, channelling parts of his role in Mean Streets, has a performance that proves he is one of our greatest living actors, emoting an anguish on-screen that is heartbreaking.

This is an intense and sometimes flawed work, it does focus solely on the drugs a little too much, but it also has some of the strongest themes of redemption and forgiveness I have ever seen in cinema.

I also love the concurrent parallels to the sports world and Keitel's spiritual journey. This is not for the faint of heart, but definitely a film to see for those who love intense, deep films on with strong spiritual themes.