MovieChat Forums > Something Wild (1986) Discussion > I Don't Get It

I Don't Get It

posted 14 years ago by SunsetMotel
4 replies | jump to latest

In all seriousness, feel free to enlighten me why this movie gets any attention. It is a derivative of Bringing Up Baby which I wouldn't hold against it except that, while there's decent acting (though none of the three leads are playing against type at ALL), the script offers no surprises and nothing particularly impressive. Maybe I watched it too indifferently; it was passable entertainment but I wonder if this is a bit like trying to watch The Exorcist in 2011 if you're expecting the "scariest" movie of all time. Perhaps we're too desensitized to what we've already seen imitators of these films do, and, seemingly, do it better?

[–] denise1234 14 years ago

Well, for one thing, I don't know what you mean when you say 'none of the three leads are playing against any type at ALL"?

For Ray L., this was his 'breakout' role and really the first time he played this type of character in film that I know of.

Maybe I am misunderstanding your statement (?)

cheers! denise1234

"I can't stand a naked light bulb, any more than..a rude remark or a vulgar action" Blanche DuBois

[–] eagle79-1 14 years ago

If you want to see a film that is more derivative of "Bringing Up Baby" (down to the cougar) & can't even begin to stand up to the excellence of "Something Wild" watch "Who's That Girl" with Madonna.
I'm a bit perplexed you thought the script to SW offered no surprises & nothing particularly impressive. I feel the exact opposite. But then again i saw it during its first run. Back then the switch in tone halfway thru the film (from offbeat romantic comedy to serious, violent thriller) & the quirky road-movie structure was a treat. I think it holds up real well.

[–] mulholland_empire 14 years ago

"the script offers no surprises" really? i find that hard to believe.

SPOILERS

jeff daniels was not actually married.
ray liotta and melanie griffith were still married.
.....and how the ending ventures off into sort of a fatal attraction territory.

correct me if im wrong but the 3 things i mentioned were all pretty surprising in the script.

[–] RobbieCalifornia 9 years ago

OP you must have been in a crappy mood when you saw it. Or just didn't get it. I think the change in tone mid-film throws some people off. But that's one more thing that makes it unique.

It's such a great, fun movie. So well done in every way. Great acting, writing, direction, music.

I feel bad for anyone who didn't enjoy Something Wild.