I love Neve’s work in Scream, Sidney Prescott is the ultimate scream-queen, but I don’t think she was well cast in Wild Things and neither does the director.
On the Arrow UHD John McNaughton says the studio wanted Neve and he couldn’t find anyone better so he settled for her. He says he eventually came around to her but that sounded political. His instincts were right.
Neve is a good actress but she projects a wholesomeness, humanity and vulnerability, and doesn’t really convince as prickly trailer trash goth or the evil mastermind enjoying her victory (which wasn’t helped by her looking kinda silly in her blonde lightbulb wig).
I totally bought Denise as the spoiled brat but Neve fixing cars and reading nihilistic goth lit didn’t convince, and as another poster observed she’s always pulling ‘that face’ where she’s pinching her lips in a state of emotional flux.
Finally, she fails to deliver the goods when it comes to the sleazy aspect of the film. Her no nudity clause means she’s awkwardly covered up while Richards’ big fake tits are flying all over the place, and she’s not nearly as hot as supermodel-grade Richards.
To be fair to Neve, I can’t really think of anyone ideal for Suzy. Someone said Alyssa Milano - I agree she’d certainly manage the hotness - it would be glorious seeing her and Richards going at it - and I think she could convince as a cold, clever bitch.
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