Review of Mulholland Falls (1996) by Kirk J — 19 Apr 2010

I really wanted to like this film. A 1950s neo-noir in an LA setting. The big-name cast was promising. The synopsis sounded intriguing. Despite all of this potential, the film turns out to be a major disappointment thanks to a vapid screenplay that lacks substance.

Nick Nolte gives an inspired performance that practically carries the film. Jennifer Connelly is beautifully haunting and mysterious despite having limited time onscreen. I applaud director Lee Tamahori for creating a film that is visually pleasing and stylish.

Unfortunately, it was impossible for him (and probably most film directors) to turn this screenplay into anything more than a ho-hum, predictable mess.