Production Year: 1993 - Action/Adventure - Director: Tony Scott - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring:Christopher Walken, Bronson Pinchot, Tom Sizemore, Michael Rapaport, James Gandolfini, Kevin Corrigan, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Penn, Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt more
When inexperienced call girl Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette) is paid to seduce comic-book-nerd and Elvis fanatic Clarence Worley (Christian Slater), she doesn't expect to fall... more
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True Romance (1993) [DVD]
It was directed with energetic skill byTop GunTony Scott, but this breathtaking 1993 ... more
thriller (think of it as an adolescent crime fantasy on steroids) has Quentin Tarantino written all over it.True Romanceis really part of a loose trilogy that includes...
True Romance (1993) [DVD]
It was directed with energetic skill byTop GunTony Scott, but this breathtaking 1993 ... more
thriller (think of it as an adolescent crime fantasy on steroids) has Quentin Tarantino written all over it.True Romanceis really part of a loose trilogy that includes...
dangerous game of high-stakes negotiations and high-speed adventure. The pair come into unexpected possession of a suitcase of mob contraband. They flee to Los Ang...
True Romance
When inexperienced call girl Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette) is paid to seduce ... more
comic-book-nerd and Elvis fanatic Clarence Worley (Christian Slater), she doesn't expect to fall for him. But these two lost souls seem to be made for each other and quickly pledge their love, marrying at Detroit's city hall. Clarence discovers some newfound bravado and attempts to retrieve Alabama's possessions from her pimp, Drexl (Gary Oldman), who isn't exactly eager to let Alabama go. Fleeing Drexl's apartment, Clarence not only leaves a trail of bodies, but also inadvertently mistakes a suitcase of uncut cocaine for one with his wife's clothing, and the chase is on. The unlikely newlyweds head for Los Angeles hoping to sell the cocaine and make enough money to leave the country. Unfortunately, they also have to contend with the mob, yuppie drug dealers and the police. Michael Rapaport is amusing as Clarence's best friend who lives with Floyd, a stoner played by Brad Pitt. A sedate Dennis Hopper appears as Clarence's father, who ultimately faces off with mob boss Vincenzo Coccotti (Christopher Walken). Director Tony Scott (CRIMSON TIDE, ENEMY OF THE STATE) does justice to the violence and quirkiness of Quentin Tarantino's second feature film script.
Production Year: 2008 - Action/Adventure - Director: Christopher Nolan - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
A review by SRowlands on True Romance (Director's Cut) (DVD) February 21st, 2005
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Story
Outstanding
Characters / Performances
Outstanding
Special Effects
Good
Soundtrack
Outstanding
Advantages:
Great Story, Great Cast, Great Soundtrack . . .
Disadvantages:
A lot of swearing / blood / violence may put people off .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
"True Romance" is a 1993 movie directed by Tony Scott, and written by Quentin Tarrantino, and follows the story of Clarance and Alabama in their persuit of happiness.
The movie opens with a prologue, set in a dark, smokey bar. With "Gracelands" playing from the jukebox, you are first introduced to Clarance Worley. In a fairly brilliant piece of scriptwriting, he is discussing the merits of Elvis Presley, in the hope of 'pulling' a blonde woman at the bar. His lines are quite comical, obviously inspired with a touch of alcohol, but also very heartfelt. Despite his best efforts, he ends up going to the cinema to see the Sonny Chiba movie marathon alone.
As the opening credits start to roll, the anticipation builds. To the amazing instrumental track "You're So Cool" by Hans Zimmer, and the Detroit cityscape backgrounds, the cast list alone is enough to get any film fanatic excited...
"True Romance" ... Christian Slater... Patricia Arquette... with Dennis Hopper... Val Kilmer... Gary Oldman... Brad Pitt... Christopher Walker... Bronson Pinchot... Samuel L. Jackson... Michael Rapaport... Chris Penn... Tom Sizemore...
It is after the opening credits that you first get to meet Alabama Whitman. In a voiceover full of emotion, she tells how she has found love in Detroit. As she wanders into the local cinema, it is here that Alabama and Clarance meet for the first time, and immediately hit it off. Things are going really well, but it transpires that Alabama was actually paid to "meet up" with Clarance, as a birthday treat from his friends. Despite this, Alabama ensures Clarance that her feeling for him are real, and this is reciprocated in turn. Unfortunately, Alambama's boss "Drexl Spivey" is unmoved by this new found love, and refuses to let Alabama go off, in persuit of love and happiness. After an extremely tense meeting between Clarance and Drexl, Clarance walks away with Alabama... and suitcases of hard drugs ! What follows is esentially a classic story of two lovers on the run from the authorities, hitmen and gangsters who want to stop the couple in their tracks.
CAST:
The extremely impressive cast list is headed by Christian Slater. Already established from earlier performances in big-budget films such as "Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves", Slater's character in this film brings out one of his best performances. The role requires both emotional and hard-hitting performances, both of which Slater handles with his own special style. The same could be said for Patricia Arquette. Throughout the film, you feel sorry for her character, whilst laughing along with her in places. You can "feel the love" between Clarance and Alabama, as if it were a true relationship.
Christopher Walken is, in my opinion, one of the best actors of all time. His is normally typecast as the "baddie", and that is no different in this film - but he adds a unique "class" to the role. He plays the role of Vincenzo Coccotti in a very charasmatic way - you never know quite what is going through his mind, or what he is going to do next. He also plays off other actors performances, such as Dennis Hopper. Hopper plays Clarance's father, "Clifford", who loves his son dearly by disapproves of his arrant ways. A scene between Walken and Hopper is one of the best in any film, in which Coccotti is interrogating Clifford as to the whereabouts of his son. To a classical music background, the scene is edge of the seat acting at it's best.
Another fantastic performance from a great actor is provided by Gary Oldman, who portrays Alabama's pimp-boss "Drexl Spivey". His heavily scarred character (both physically and emotionally) is full of hate, and the sort of guy most of us hope never to meet !
Brad Pitt also makes several appearances in this film as lazy, dope-happy layabout "Floyd". Pitt was originally offered a different role, but opted to play this "background" character. Another background character is "Elvis", played by Val Kilmer. Clarance is a big Elvis Presley fan, and when alone, refers to his "mentor" that is The King himself.
As I've already mentioned, there are many other notable performances and actors, but it's the fact that each is happy not to steal the limelight and instead work off each other that makes this film such a success. Many of the big name actors are only on screen for a very short time, many facing a bloody end !
The story for True Romance was written by, none other than, Quentin Tarrantino - although there is an ongoing dispute over this. Tarrantino used to co-write scripts with R. Avery. The screenplay was originally part of a much longer screenplay, from which True Romance represents about half of it. The other half was made into "Natural Born Killers". Tarantino actually sold the script for a minimal amount in order to fund his own film, "Reservoir Dogs".
Credit must also go to the director, Tony Scott. Everything about this film is classy, from the scenic backgrounds and the fantastic soundtrack to the atmospheric performances from the cast. His transformation from screenplay to celluliod is a huge success.
SOUNDTRACK:
The movie soundrack is also first class. With Clarance being an Elvis fan, this gives the film makers the opportunity to use many Elvis, and Elvis-style, tracks throughout the film. The overall soundrack is a country-style affair, with welcome additions from the likes of Charlie Sexton, Chris Isaak and Robert Palmer. The main tracks, however, are provided by Hans Zimmer. The title track "You're So Cool" is an instrumental on percussion and woodwind instruments. This plays throughout the film in various forms, from quite jolly music to slow, haunting versions.
OVERALL OPINION:
I am guessing from reading up to this point that you will know I love this film. In fact, it is one of my favourite films of all time ! The film just contains so much, from the brilliant cast, the fantastic storyline and really emotional scenes - there are many that I still get a lump in my throat - (which for a guy to admit is really saying something !). Every time I see it I pick up different things and feelings from the movie, and the Hans Zimmer soundtrack still gives me goosebumps !
"True Romance" is in quite a unique genre, which I'd call "Romantic-Action-Comedy-Thriller". The romantic story is well done - it's not too slushy, and many people who have spent a period of time without a partner will be able to associate with it. The initial passion and lust, and then the realisation that this could be something more. The action segements are also very well done - they are often short, but to the point. As a result of this, the film has occasionally been critisized for being too violent - but this does fit into, and is relevant to the storyline. The same could also be said for the swearing - the "F" word is actually used 225 times, but again it also fits into the characters. You just couldn't imagine Christopher Walken's character saying "Freakin'" ! There are other scenes that you may not want to watch with your grandparents, such as Samuel L Jackson discussing oral sex ! There are many comedy moments in the film too, and most of these come from Dick Ritchie, played by Michael Rapaport. He is a wannabe actor, who is undergoing auditions to appear alongside William Shatner in "T.J. Hooker". The final part of the genre is "Thriller" - and, yet again, this film lives up to the role. You are constantly tense, wondering what is going to happen. The plot is full of twists and surprises, and right up until the final scene, you just cannot guess what the outcome will be.
If you are easily offended, you probably will not like this film. As I have already said, there is a lot of violence, swearing, blood and politically incorrect scenes - and for this reason, I would not recommend the film to these people. However, if you are broad minded, enjoy great action / romantic thrillers, or if you enjoyed Tarrantino's other films, then I would definately recommend you add this film to your collection. In my opinion, True Romance is one of the most under-rated films of modern times that so many people haven't yet seen.
Advantages: Amazing cast, great storyline, action aplenty. Disadvantages: Maybe the best characters have the smallest parts.
...in which you can purchase True Romance and Goodfellas together for £25.98. They also sell it on VHS for £5.99. Of course Amazon has a marketplace where you can obtain new and used copies this DVD for usually cheaper prices.
For anyone who is interested there is an excellent site with a draft of the original script. It is - www.godamongdirectors.com/scripts/trueromance.shtml
This film also features an excellent soundtrack which I hope to write an ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: excellent performances and a great story Disadvantages: don;t be put off by the title!
...are involved as well.
True Romance is an excellent movie that contains action as well as some funny moments. Some of my favourites include the conversation between Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper, the scene on the rollercoaster and the scene with Alabama and the corkscrew (if you’ve seen the movie you’ll know what I mean – if you haven’t, watch out for them!) Some of the scenes are quite violent, but it is all within ... ...is not gratuitous violence for the sake of it. And through the whole film is the underlying theme of the romance between the two main characters – it works so well because you know that they are doing what they are doing out of their love for each other. The performances from Slater and Arquette are outstanding. The chemistry between them works really well and the characters are very believable. Slater comes across as quite streetwise, but ...
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Story
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very helpful
09.10.2001
"You're so cool!" Review ofTrue Romance (Director's Cut) (DVD)by
FC_Goat
Advantages: Great cast, script, story Disadvantages: Some characters only have a few scenes
...wrote the script to 1993’s True Romance, he didn’t direct it himself, he gave it to slightly less cool director Tony Scott (Top Gun, Enemy of the State). Why would he pass up on the opportunity of adding this quirky, funny and mind-blowingly cool movie to his CV as a director, making a round five?
It’s not known. What is known, however, is that True Romance helped cement QT’s genius as a writer and, upon first watching, became ... ...the drug underworld.
Most of True Romance’s brilliance is down to the script, which, in the same style as Tarantino’s other masterpieces, is peppered with movie references and Pulp Fiction-esque random cool sayings that would never work in real life – ‘Okie dokie doggie daddy’ being one. Possibly the best thing about True Romance, however, is the characters. Every one, down to the smallest, is a fully-rounded, slightly ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Great Story, Strong Cast Disadvantages: Film Overall Lacks Depth
...brilliant mind of Quentin Tarantino, True Romance carries the usual extreme violence and sharp, quotable, angry dialogue. Clarence is a true comic-book geek who just happens to get lucky with a call-girl who has a heart of gold. The action, from the instant of their meeting, is fast paced and often frenetic, it's a blur of bullets, edgy meetings and brutal violence. Clarence and Alabama have some depth to their personalities, but not much (since ... ...rushed that's because everything in True Romance is moving at speed. The key is to accept events without question, it's just that sort of film. Performances in the film are commendable Slater and Arquette are good in the lead roles, with a very strong supporting cast that includes cameos from Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer and Samuel L Jackson, to name but a few, so you have a magnificent cast which makes the film well acted.
Where ...
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very helpful
07.03.2001
Would You XXXX Elvis Review ofTrue Romance (Director's Cut) (DVD)by
jennystevenson
...time favourites, the diversity of True Romance is impressive, wandering off in so many directions it was made to be watched several times over to appreciate it fully. This is categorised under crime and thriller but it’s also a good showcase of black comedy. AGH stop waffling Jenny and get on with the plot.
SETTING THE SCENE
The film kicks off with ‘Alabama’ who recently moved from Florida to Detroit as a call ... ...of no-brain-required pure entertainment. True Romance manages to keep you hooked all the way through, has its ups and downs in the emotions department managing several laughs, several ‘oh my God’ surprises and you really get attached to the good guys. They’re not nauseatingly perfect, they’re just you’re average couple in love who get caught up in a dangerous world unknown to them. There are so many personality clashes ...
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Plot: When inexperienced call girl Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette) is paid to seduce comic-book-nerd and Elvis fanatic Clarence Worley (Christian Slater), she doesn't expect to fall for him. But these two lost souls seem to be made for each other and quickly pledge their love, marrying at Detroit's city hall. Clarence discovers some newfound bravado and attempts to retrieve Alabama's possessions from her pimp, Drexl (Gary Oldman), who isn't exactly eager to let Alabama go. Fleeing Drexl's apartment, Clarence not only leaves a trail of bodies, but also inadvertently mistakes a suitcase of uncut cocaine for one with his wife's clothing, and the chase is on. The unlikely newlyweds head for Los Angeles hoping to sell the cocaine and make enough money to leave the country. Unfortunately, they also have to contend with the mob, yuppie drug dealers and the police. Michael Rapaport is amusing as Clarence's best friend who lives with Floyd, a stoner played by Brad Pitt. A sedate Dennis Hopper appears as Clarence's father, who ultimately faces off with mob boss Vincenzo Coccotti (Christopher Walken). Director Tony Scott (CRIMSON TIDE, ENEMY OF THE STATE) does justice to the violence and quirkiness of Quentin Tarantino's second feature film script.
When inexperienced call girl Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette) is paid to seduce comic-book-nerd and Elvis fanatic Clarence Worley (Christian Slater), she doesn't expect to fall for him. But these two lost souls seem to be made for each other and quickly pledge their love, marrying at Detroit's city hall. Clarence discovers some newfound bravado and attempts to retrieve Alabama's possessions from her pimp, Drexl (Gary Oldman), who isn't exactly eager to let Alabama go. Fleeing Drexl's apartment, Clarence not only leaves a trail of bodies, but also inadvertently mistakes a suitcase of uncut cocaine for one with his wife's clothing, and the chase is on. The unlikely newlyweds head for Los Angeles hoping to sell the cocaine and make enough money to leave the country. Unfortunately, they also have to contend with the mob, yuppie drug dealers and the police. Michael Rapaport is amusing as Clarence's best friend who lives with Floyd, a stoner played by Brad Pitt. A sedate Dennis Hopper appears as Clarence's father, who ultimately faces off with mob boss Vincenzo Coccotti (Christopher Walken). Director Tony Scott (CRIMSON TIDE, ENEMY OF THE STATE) does justice to the violence and quirkiness of Quentin Tarantino's second feature film script.
Technical information
Special Features: Interactive Menus, Scene Access
Aspect Ratio: 2.35 Wide Screen
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Professional reviews
Review: "...A vibrant, grisly, gleefully amoral road movie..." (New York Times, p.C5, 10/09/1993)
"...One of the defining, and truly enjoyable, films of the '90s." -- 5 out of 5 Stars (Total Film, p.106, 01/06/2000)
"...Tony Scott's slick style is visually arresting....[The] entire film is an elegantly packaged affair on all levels..." (Variety, 06/09/1993)
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