jonscargill

I love this movie. To me, Byrne seems to be introducing a European, Felliniesque, sensibility to American themes. Filled with seemingly unconnected dialogue and subtle satirical jabs at consumerism and mass produced entertainment, the film gallops along at a good pace. Byrne's character is a true outsider, it's never explained why he's visited Virgil but he faithfully reports on its people and it's events, breaking the fourth wall with his commentary. Byrne's detached delivery is almost Brechtian, he observes, narrates but never gets involved emotionally, nor does he pass judgement. John Goodman is spectacular with his "consistent panda bear figure" and is, probably, our main character as we are encouraged to follow his pursuit of love. Unusually there is no antagonist in this movie, although Viacorp makes me a little uneasy. Watch this movie!

The Frolic is one of the first stories i read by Thomas Ligotti and, after reading it, it stayed with me for days. It's an ambiguous tale of a presumed paedophile who denies his crimes. He doesn't abuse them, he takes them on a frolic through the, frankly disturbing, places he lives. He doesn't murder them, he frees them when the folic has to end. The whole cast is amazing but the standout performance is Maury Sterling - what an actor. He cycles through voices, personalities and moods with stunning speed. His English accent is perfect and especially creepy when the allusion to little "darlings" is decoded. The standout moment of Sterling's performance? The smile - you'll get it when you see it.