Flawless
Date: May 7th 2000
Cast:
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Director: Joel Schumacher
The title of a movie should be a precursor, or at
least have a relation to what it is about (no, I can’t
explain Magnolia either.)
Examples of this are Dumb and Dumber and The Stupids. Although
these movies were colossal ways of celluloid, at least they lived
up to the truth in advertising clause. I cannot then understand
titling this movie Flawless, unless it is meant to be a badly
ironic translation of “Let he who is without sin cast the
first stone” If so, then director Joel Schumacher
slipped a bit in message delivery.While he has made a movie with
a couple of great performances, some powerful chemistry and some
memorable moments, the whole is pretty much a waste of the sum of
its parts.
When portraying gays in movies, a very fine line must be walked. The stereotypes exist in society, and the filmmaker must not fall victim to them, while still giving a representative portrayal of a lifestyle that can contain some exuberant, flamboyant actions. Nowadays, it’s almost become tres chic to play a homosexual character, whereas 20-30 years ago, it would raise questions as to a performers real life status. Witness the fact that the following list of characters have starred as gay characters: Tom Hanks, Antonio Banderas, Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon, Tom Selleck, Patrick Stewart, Robin Williams. Add to this list now, one of the best performances, not only of a gay character, but just in general, that you may ever see. Phillip Seymour Hoffman garnered a lot of critical acclaim in 1999 for roles in Magnolia and The Talented Mr. Ripley, however it is this role for which he should have gained the most attention. Playing Rusty, a “lonely drag queen, trapped in a man’s body” Hoffman shows a multi-dimensional charm to a role that could have easily become another over acted stereotype. Here, he assists DeNiro, a homophobic, tango-loving, ex-law enforcer, rehabilitate from a stroke that he suffered while trying to save the life of a young woman staying with Hoffman. Unfortunately, the bonding between them comes tired overused plot devices (missing money, bad guys etc) so the overall effect is diluted. The movie then progresses through some pretty typical stuff, the cynic being won over, the bond created and the ultimate teamwork and realization by both members. What carries this above every other simple movie is Hoffman’s performance and the chemistry between he and DeNiro. They relate to each other and ultimately depend on each other. They can both relate to being societal outcasts; one by preference, and one by handicap. The way this is all handled is what carries this movie beyond its surface appearance of opposites attracting, or at least attempting to understand and work with each other.
I was shocked when I saw that this film was directed by trigger happy Joel Schumacher. Usually, he can’t make a movie without blowing stuff up and giving his accountant gray hairs by abusing his special effects budget, and he still does slip his touch in there. However he also shows an oddly deft touch in bringing out, and creating a friendship that can overcome differences. Just remember Joel, things don’t have to go boom on the outside, internal emotional explosions, when done right, can have more than their share of power.
Ultimately, Flawless proves that great performances and characters can overcome the trite simplicity of a rehashed story. Had the movie thrown in something original, or at least focused more on the friendship, it might have rose even further than it does. As it is, it’s a nice, real relationship that is worth no more than a rental viewing. In accordance with title, the closest things to flawless in this film are Hoffman’s role and his scenes with DeNiro. Even the most over told story can be entertaining with good characters, and a unique intelligent touch. Hopefully this movie will open the eyes to the fact that those who are laughed at, pitied, or even mocked, actually have feelings, emotions and desires. This is a nice movie for a quiet evening with friends, open minded or ones that should be. ($$1/2 out of $$$$)
Agree? Disagree, Questions? Comments?
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