Review of Something Wild (1986) by Timmy R — 04 Mar 2008

Probably the film that changed my life back in 1987. It oozes warmth and humour, but also trasnforms into a brutal and suspenseful masterpiece towards the end.

There's a real sense of spontinaity bubbling under the surface; little side characters dotting the landscape, interacting with Charlie along the way; stopovers at second-hand clothing stores, street kids rapping outside a gas station; a little girl going to chruch and asking a sleepy Charlie if he's okay, Sister Carol singing a reggae version of "Wild Thing" over the credits. And there's a commitment from the film to portray them as human beings, not just background filler.

Something Wild breathes and laughes and dances. It also feels like the only authentic new wave film from America. And, fuck! - it's got THE FEELIES performing as the high school reunion band! It doesn't, honestly, doesn't get any better than that.

I absolutely love it.