Moviedrome Introduction
Film Details
Release Date: 1982
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Stars:
Frederic Forrest as Hank
Teri Garr as Frannie
Plot Summary:
The story is set in Las Vegas and follows the tumultuous love affair between Hank (played by Frederic Forrest) and Frannie (played by Teri Garr). On the Fourth of July, they break up after a heated argument. The film explores their separate experiences and encounters with new love interests over the course of a night.
Personal History
Romantic musical dramas didn't feature highly on the list of 13 year old me films. Surprisingly, considering the director and the fact that the high production costs personally bankrupt him, I had never heard of it.
Current Review
My reticence of spending a couple of hours in the company of a musical drama quickly dissipated when the gruff voice of the man responsible for the soundtrack, Tom Waits, were heard.
Except its not really a musical, despite spending the entire film expecting the main characters to burst into song. Not all is lost, they burst into dance reasonably frequently.
Its a simple tale - a couple in a 5 year relationship have a row. Split up for a 4th of July night where they both find other beaus. I think Hank gets the best deal, as he gets a tight rope walking Nastassja Kinski. But Frannie's is more serious, as she runs away to Bora Bora with a pianist in a Tux.
The two characters are that unlovable, that you don't really care what happens to them.
Plus points - it looks absolutely stunning. Coppola spending (all) his dollar on recreating the neon glintz of Las Vegas on his Zeotrope studios.
Certainly one that would benefit from a cinema viewing, rather than a balanced laptop.
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| Still cant tell if Nastassja can really tightrope walk |
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| Frannie leaving Las Vegas |
The soundtrack is OK - even if, as Alex Cox points out, the lyrics do describe exactly what is happening on screen.
And a special mention for Harry Dean Stanton's barnet.
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| Spot the leading man - clue, its not curly. |
Quirky Facts
- Originally intended as a small film after the enormous cost, pressures, and production problems of Apocalypse Now (1979), this film's budget ballooned from $2 million to over $25 million. The extraordinary costs led to director Francis Ford Coppola declaring bankruptcy. Coppola has stated that the films he made were done to pay off the debts incurred producing this film.
- This was the only film directed by Francis Ford Coppola to be shot at his Zoetrope Studios.
- Legendary dancer Gene Kelly was brought in as a consultant for a dance sequence. However, Kelly and Coppola clashed over the story the dance should tell. While Coppola's version appears in the theatrical release, a 2003 restoration showcases Kelly's original vision.
Quotes
Well, I've told you before, I won't tell you again
You don't defrost the icebox with a ball point pen
This railroad apartment is held together with glue
And I'm sick and tired of pickin' up after you
Sustenance
AI suggesting some glitzy cocktail that would have fitted the Las Vegas/Bora Bora Theme..... but that wouldn't have worked on a midweek lunchtime.
Future Inspiration
An easy one this week - as I have been keen to explore Tom Waits classics for some time.
AI's Top 3 Albums are;
Rain Dogs (1985): This critically acclaimed album is known for its experimental sound, blending blues, rock, and world music influences. It features some of Waits' most iconic songs, like "Downtown Train," "Jockey Full of Bourbon," and "Clap Hands."
Rain Dogs album by Tom Waits
Swordfishtrombones (1983): This album marked a turning point in Waits' career, with a more avant-garde and industrial sound. It features unconventional instrumentation, theatrical arrangements, and Waits' signature raspy vocals. Notable tracks include "Tom Waits for No One," "Shiny Things," and "The Birthday Party."
Swordfishtrombones album by Tom Waits
Closing Time (1973): This is Waits' debut album, and it showcases his early songwriting style, heavily influenced by jazz and blues. It captures the smoky atmosphere of late-night bars and features classic songs like "Martha," "Lonely," and "I Hope I Don't Fall in Love with You."
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