Review of Violet & Daisy (2011) by Spencer S — 24 Jun 2014

This is obviously a passion project for writer/director Geoffrey S. Fletcher, after his success writing the screenplay for "Precious." The film follows two teenaged assassins who act girlishly, and care more about fashion and being alternative than their actual marks.

They are tasked to kill Michael (Gandolfini) but find it very difficult because they bond with him. The premise could have been great if the characters were better, and it was either more or less campy, but this film is stuck in purgatory.

Most of the scenes are quiet, austere moments when the conversation turns to whispers and our protagonists become contemplative about their lives. Though the film progresses with our two killers learning a lot, they come out of the film as bland and cheery as in the beginning.

Besides its meandering plot, this film does have amazing cinematography, and the editing mirrors Tarantino's later films. Still, this approach to murder via childish purity needs tender care and attention, and Fletcher is more preoccupied with tone and style.