This movie reintroduces a societal element that I've mentioned in my reviews before. Somewhere, just across that comfortable line of reality where we all live, resides people whom we are afraid to admit exist in this world, yet that we know truly do. These are bad people, through and through, some, worse than others, but all bad in their own way. The fictional town in Clay Pigeons (set somewhere in Montana, according to references) is a haven for these folk. Small town America, gone wickedly wrong (just a step below Oliver Stone's U Turn burg). Sheriffs bend rules and look the other way, gossip runs rampant, as does adultery and a complete lack of morals, and that seems to suit the residents here just fine. It is their naiveté which makes them the most innocent though, they are unaffected by that which occurs outside the borders of town, and prefer to remain in their own twisted, blissful slumber. However curiosity of the outside world exists, like that of the dilemma created by strange noises emanating from a neighbors backyard, you want to peek, but know you shouldn't, afraid of what you'll see, but also enthralling curious about what lie over there.

Bring on Lester Long. His maniacally fun loving laugh, his eyes which switch from fun, to twisted, without even an effort, and most of all, his confidant swagger draws a slight attention, and curiosity, to the citizens here, and he entwines himself quickly in their lives, thus beginning the snowball of this movies plot. The story involves murder, adultery, double-crosses, chases, and some pretty unnerving laughs. The movie flows smoothly, snowballing and building towards a surprisingly unpredictable but smart ending. Phoenix seems to be at the center of them all, not helped by a vampily conniving Cates, who switches from innocent to wicked, faster than Vanilla Ice's rap career. Enter in Garofalo, as a sharp-witted, but not perfect, FBI agent, chasing a serial killer. It is the interactions and development of these characters, which provides this movie with most of its enjoyability. Each shows comic, dramatic, and dark sides, while playing off each other, in a realistic and intelligent manner. The script is well written, the scenery is murky and desolate, similar to the plight of all the characters, and the soundtrack is very fitting to the situations.

All of the performances are strong and once again, befitting of a certain role in the story. Each knows, and does their part, nothing more nothing less. Garofalo infuses the movie with the best lines, delivered to perfection in her sarcastic monotone. proves that her sense of humor and down-homieness, does indeed have a dark side, and shows it with great ease. Phoenix once again shows his dramatic range, playing the victim who really isn't that innocent, and also is not a pushover. Vaughn's character shows me more than ever now, that he actually may be able to pull off Norman Bates, by being calm, then psychotic, but always in control of things. He is eerily, confident and humorous, making you laugh, cringe, and sending chills down your spine, all within the same scene.