Review of Buffalo '66 (1998) by Rufio S — 24 Sep 2009
A hilariously twisted vision that only Vincent Gallo could pull off. He again somehow woos all the women with his 3rd grade misogyny and wallowing attitude, but that's not all the movie is about. It's about a warped and lonely runt who lies to his parents for affection, has only one friend who is a dimwit, and is impetuously mistrustful and hateful of women.
His mom is obsessed with the Buffalo's, so he puts $10,000 on them to win the Superbowl, which of course they don't win, and which he of course doesn't have. The bookie makes a deal with him; if he confesses to a crime someone else is being convicted for, he'll avoid paying the money back.
The movie starts with his release from prison. He needs very badly to go pee, so he hobbles around holding his crotch impatiently looking for a bathroom. In a ballet studio hallway, after getting pee-shy, he contacts his parents and tells them he's coming to visit with his wife. He kidnaps the blond who gave him the change for the call and their mini-adventure begins. The girl (Christina Ricci) goes along with the kidnapping at her own pace and with such ironic enthusiasm that Vincent's character seems just that much more ridiculous.
Christina's character is almost impossible to figure out, but this is the first clue that it's a hilarious and very smart comedy. The scenes with the parents are especially funny; Ben Gazzara and Anjelica Huston create two unforgettably degenerate failures whose disconnected antics swirl around their sons seething dejection. It's not all comedy though; if you accept the quirkiness there is obviously the compelling cry for help from the character Vincent creates. It is based off his own childhood, and mirrors the insecurities he must feel to some degree.
The direction by him is aptly handled with a flair and creativity that defines each scene. His music choices are always spot-on and the actors are engagingly distinguished. Too bad his next film didn't have the same spirit as this off-the-wall gem.
This review of Buffalo '66 (1998) was written by Rufio S on 24 Sep 2009.
Buffalo '66 has generally received very positive reviews.
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