Preston Tylk

This movie is about obsession, salvation and finally redemption. A loving but absent husband,(Luke Wilson) is told by his wife that she is having and affair,leaves to think things out only to return and discover his wife is dead. He is now the main suspect and needs to find the real killer. In his journey of exploration,hires the private dick, Dick, excellently portrayed by the awesome Dennis Farina. The lover engages the husband in an intricate cat and mouse game that ultimately comes to a shocking discovery. But mostly this film is about normal people when put under pressure do just about anything and think it is reasonable at the time. What makes this one different is that when all is said and done one man makes a choice that will change his life forever.

I picked up this film on DVD titled as Bad Seed, because I was in the mood for a mystery and the fact that Luke Wilson and Dennis Farina starred in it.

At first, I found things to be a bit standard as far as "thrillers" go, almost on the level of a basic TV movie. But something really starts to draw the viewer in and by watching through to the end, there is really a nice payoff.

Don't try to compare this to Hitchcock, just sit back and let the story unfold. When Preston (Luke Wilson) hears his wife confess to having an affair, he storms out to a cafe and when he comes back home he finds her dead. By trying to confront her lover Jonathan (Norman Reedus), things get way out of control, even hiring a private detective (Dennis Farina) proves to make a messy situation even worse. It's easy to say these guys do a LOT of stupid, stupid things (like busting up a motel room) and one would think that in reality no one would make such bad decisions, but I took into consideration that people really act in the strangest ways when confronted with a situation that's extraordinary and no time to really think things through. Preston has his flaws, but he's really an okay guy, as is Jonathan. By appreciating the quiet desperation and increasing tension between them, along with the effective rainy locations in Tacoma and Seattle, the film is somber yet tense.

I actually love grey, rainy landscapes -- to me they're calming instead of gloomy. But considering the sadness in Preston's life and both he and Jonathan (as well as the detective) knowing that no matter what they do it's going to end rather messy, the wet greys of the sky and deep greens of the Northwest accent the film in a very melancholic way. The score is beautiful in many scenes, and rather grand for a film of this type made today (particularly one with such a low budget). Actually, the dramatic cues seemed a bit too grand in places, but it reminded me of how mysteries and thrillers back in the 1970s used to have full orchestral scores instead of everything being done on an electronic keyboard. Some very nice piano work, wish I had a soundtrack recording of it.

I know that some would just get fed up with these characters' behavior and think that the film just going to have a typical knock-down, drag-out fight to end it all, but I for one was pleasantly surprised to see the way the story took a turn and threw in a twist here and there. Even the ending seemed just right (even if it gives you a Shawshank Redemption deja vu moment). I felt a little sad yet satisfied by the turn of events, as is how I truly think the ending is supposed to affect you. After listening to the audio commentary on the DVD, you may also appreciate more what writer/director Jon Bokenkamp was trying to accomplish.

Not a perfect film, but by no means a misfire. I found Preston Tylk/Bad Seed to be a nice diversion from the common Hollywood "thriller" and would recommend it for those not wanting grandiose style and wanting a dramatic tale, something just right to watch with some snacks on a night at home, relaxing.

As far as such "psychological" whodunits go, this one had an OK story-line based on a realistic premise. Unfortunately, the acting was poor, and here I am particularly referring to Luke Wilson in the main role of Preston. He was never really convincing as the "cheated husband" out to avenge both his wife's murder AND the fact that he was cheated in the first place. He tried too hard, as I think someone else also pointed out in a previous comment. Dennis Farina was fair enough in his role as the private Dick (though clearly stereotyped), and overall I liked the way Norman Reedus played the Jonathan character (despite cozing up with somebody else's wife, he turned out to be not exactly a 100 per cent nasty person but actually an interesting character study in himself). Although having said that, there were a couple of things he did over the top ... like setting himself on fire, and walking around with the crucial video-tape in his pocket all along(!)

Preston Tylk, more commonly known on DVD as 'Bad Seed', is a moody, depressing little thriller that opens with a situation so bleak that we wonder where can we go from there. It concerns Preston (Luke Wilson) a mild mannered dude who comes home from work one day to find his wife (Milli Avital) murdered. He runs off in despair, and soon finds that shady, volatile Jonathan (Norman Reedus), is after him under the impression that he killed his own wife. Jonathan had a vague affair with her, leading to an obsession, and now can't let it go, funnelling his loss and sadness into a nasty, violent vendetta against Preston. Preston's only hope rests with estranged private detective Dick Miller (Dennis Farina) who agrees to go on the run with him and provide assistance. It's a low key, empty tale that heavily gives off the vibe that it's headed for a grim dead end, at least for some characters. There's a sense of hope in the chemistry between Wilson and Farina, the latter proving to be the sole individual in the piece who provides pathos and emotional warmth. Wilson is damaged, detached, and Reedus is cold, unhinged and unpredictable. They both play their roles well, especially Reedus whose hollowness can be felt like a tangible force when he's on screen. This isn't happy stuff though, nor is it fiery and fast paced. It's a melancholy little study of the confusion that death leaves behind, and the elliptical futility of revenge.

I am not sure why Luke Wilson chose to star in this film. He does an okay job. He looks tormented at the required points and hurt at others. As for Norman Reedus he plays "creepy" well and I found it nice to see him in such a part even though it is similar to his character in the movie Gossip. I think it's better to see another Wilson film than this one. Try Bottle Rocket or Home Fries. Overall, this movie was just okay. If anything see it for some nice Dennis Farrina moments.