Review of The Woman Chaser (1999) by Jesse S — 05 Mar 2014
A must-see. Every successful adaptation of a Charles Willeford novel is going to challenge some viewers and produce a reaction in which they're not sure whether they're supposed to laugh or be repelled.
The uninitiated view will think, wait, this is weird, is the director messing with me here? Inappropriate laughter is a hallmark of the absurdly amore world of Willeford. If you think it's a "film noir parody" you don't quite get it.
Charles Willeford meant to hold up the entire human universe for ridicule and parody; and once you comprehend that, you cross a barrier. It also makes for a fuller enjoyment of this adaptation of one of the great classics of American fiction -- not just noir fiction or crime fiction -- The smart guy is the one who makes no distinction.
A great book is a great book, period. Put down that post-modern pulp by Franzen or Lethem and read some real art, pal.
This review of The Woman Chaser (1999) was written by Jesse S on 05 Mar 2014.
The Woman Chaser has generally received mixed reviews.
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