Review of Buffalo '66 (1998) by Dan N — 18 Oct 2010

Utterly unique, poignant, hilarious and heartfelt directorial debut from Vincent Gallo that proves that compelling story trumps flash and dash any ol' day of the week. The setup is simple but well-executed; Gallo's character is a social leper, freshly released from prison, who has led his parents on for years that he is a government agent working foreign missions (thus explaining his absence).

As the movie progresses, the reason for his incarceration - and his current motive - becomes more clear. Along the way, he picks up Ricci, who inadvertently becomes the angel that will save his soul. Often a very funny film, it's the emotional investment and outstanding characterization that make "Buffalo '66" immortal, and a hard movie for Gallo to top (which "The Brown Bunny" didn't even come close to accomplishing).