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| Jade
Year: 1995
Classification: Thriller
Directed:
- William Friedkin
Actors/Actresses:
- Chazz Palminteri
- David Caruso
- Linda Fiorentino
- Michael Biehn
- William Friedkin
A good thriller, I must say a highlight for even Caruso.
This film first intrigued me because I'm always interested in thrillers like "Rising Sun" or "Sliver", mostly because I really love those solemn-turn-to-explosive kind of films. I always seem to find a good amount of adreneline in these movies, even where most people only see uneventful and boring elements. In fact those scenes, which can be seen with amazing clarity in "Jade", have a subtle emotional intensity that brings out a sense of sophistication, and fulfills a lot of reality within these situations. It's wonderful how strong this film was in all departments: plot, performance, action, emotion, atmosphere, and ability to make a strong mark in the thriller genre. You will also enjoy Caruso's performance, as he does that kind of character well, but you won't be able to forget Linda Fiorentino's and Palminteri's great performances. It has it's share of good ol' American film noir intrigue: infidelity, paranoia, political corruption, and a few car chases, but all of those things are accomplished extremely well in this film, setting a standard for those elements, I'm sure. And if you could make a big deal about "Ronin"'s car chases, then this cool caper will give you a coronary.
Hamburger served on a silver plate
The technical elements and the production values in 'Jade' are first-rate - fine photography, a creepy James Horner score and lavish, elegant sets. If you are studying production design or film music, this is a good movie to see.
The problem is that the script is trash. It's not much more than a 'Basic Instinct' clone with elements, such as ones set in Chinatown, that lead nowhere at all. They just fill the skimpy story out to a feature length running time. Of course, if you are studying script writing, you get some ideas of what not to do.
The marvelous cast is wasted because this is one of those movies where the characters do what they do only because the script says they must. AS a result, Caruso, Fiorentino and Palmenteri can do nothing more than give a little color to their cardboard characters.
The car chase alone is worth the price of admission
Jade is an average film. I enjoyed it, but I can see where some didn't. Its a little seedy, and aside from that angle it might have a been there, done that type of plot. The performances are all good. However, the real gem of the film is the fantastic car chase through San Francisco. Hill jumping, collisions and suspense as one character chases an anonymous killer.
It's in the top 5 chases with the all time greats of Bullitt, To Live and Die in LA, French Connection and Ronin. Very tense and realistic scene. Not to be missed!
Buy Jade at Amazon.com
Buy posters at Allposters.com
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