Review of Bringing Out the Dead (1999) by Jo O — 05 Dec 2007
In form and style this is an unusual Martin Scorsese movie. On the surface this seems like a rather ordinary film about a depressed paramedic, who does everything he can to get fired -- just so that he can free himself from the guilt of losing a patient.
But the form of the movie makes it stand out. Absurd, dream like and at times theatrical, it's as far from Grey's Anatomy and E.R. you can come. The movie also is no Taxi Driver or Goodfellas or Departed.
It's too theatrical for that. But Nicolas Cage's rendition of a burnt out paramedic is at times haunting, at times comical. Somehow it still works. Among the supporting cast Ving Rhames shines bright; also keep an eye out for Marc Anthony, "Mr.
J-Lo". Great performance from him too.
This review of Bringing Out the Dead (1999) was written by Jo O on 05 Dec 2007.
Bringing Out the Dead has generally received positive reviews.
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