Review of Sid and Nancy (1986) by Nate W — 28 May 2010
"Sid and Nancy", Alex Cox's look at the self-destructive "romance" between punk rocker Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen, is as loud, angry, and incomprehensible as punk rock itself, and oddly enough, it's an appropriate fit for the film, which succeeds in evoking the punk rock underworld culture by framing it around these two tragic characters.
The whole film seems to pass by in an uncontrollable blur, much like Sid and Nancy's drug-addled existence, but Cox also displays great patience in his direction, often content to train the camera on his actors for long uninterrupted takes, simply allowing the characters to pour out onto the screen รข?? or more like burst out! Gary Oldman gives a transformative performance as the perpetually high Sex Pistol, and Chloe Webb is gives a vivid depiction of pathetic desperation in her portrayal of sad, raging Nancy (always shouting at the top of her lungs!).
They may not be a match made in heaven, but Cox finds ways to show us a twisted tenderness in their relationship, so twisted as to be darkly humourous at times.
This review of Sid and Nancy (1986) was written by Nate W on 28 May 2010.
Sid and Nancy has generally received positive reviews.
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