MovieChat Forums > The Limey (1999) Discussion > Essentially perfect?

Essentially perfect?

posted 16 years ago by balthazar_bee
4 replies | jump to latest

Naturally you're all free to disagree with my header (and, this being IMDb, you probably will), but I think The Limey is far more than a "well-made revenge picture", as some reviewers have suggested.

Last night I watched the film for the umpteenth time and, in my estimation, there's not a pointless moment or shot in the entire 90-odd minute running time. Every scene, no matter how brief or plot-obligated, seems to contain some element that comes close to being <gulp> profound. I'd offer examples, but in black and white text, I'm afraid they'd sound trite.

In the centre of it all, of course, is Stamp's performance -- moving, hilarious, and as deeply felt as any in recent memory. Just look at his eyes during the in-flight shots. Something magical seems to be happening behind them, something that goes beyond the realm of a mere "performance".

I'm not doing a very good job of explaining what makes this movie so memorable, but I highly recommend seeing it more than once. More than twice or three times, for that matter.

[–] ActualSighs 16 years ago

there's not a pointless moment or shot in the entire 90-odd minute running time.

Soderbergh doesn't agree, if you listen to the director's track on the DVD. He wishes he had shortened by half the section of the party scene where Wilson imagines various deaths for Valentine. I see his point. It began to feel gratuitous.

[–] balthazar_bee 16 years ago

As you may have guessed, I find it almost impossible to find fault in the film; I have to respectfully disagree with Soderbergh and yourself. I think the repetition is brilliant.

In each fantasy the sound of the partygoers buzzing in the background becomes louder, making the viewer think, "Wow, he actually went through with it," then cutting to the next example which must be real -- but no. Finally, when Wilson's staring Valentine down and reaches for the gun, his glare practically melts the camera. Fortunately, Eddie is there to grab him by the wrist in the nick of time.

I certainly get where you're coming from, but it doesn't feel gratuitous to me.

[–] alouette1977 14 years ago

It was one of the best American films of the decade; I will say that to anyone.

[–] Pequod88 14 years ago

I love The Limey. Stamp is wonderful in a pitch-perfect performance. The roles are very well cast, with Guzman and Fonda delivering especially fine work. The editing raises this above a very successful genre piece, as additional viewings confirm. The selection of music used and the clips from Poor Cow further add to the glory of The Limey.