True Romance (Director's Cut) (DVD)

...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 ...
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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 ... more

"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.
 

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