I have not seen this film but notice that the character of Armando Bruza is crudely based on Oscar Bonavena. How much of a part is this of the film?
I just saw this film on DVD. Usually I love Taylor Hackford's work but this is one movie that could have gone 3 different ways -- and went none of them. The boxer's role in this movie was incidental in my book. Could it have been better? Only if they told this story from his perspective.
That's the problem with this film... they needed to pick a perspective and stick with it...hard.
It could have been through Joe Peci's perspective....and it would have been a film about a lying, sneaking, oward.
If it was through the boxers' perspective, it would have been a film about an unjust murder. I like this one as much as I like the perspective below:
But if they did it all through Helen Mirren's perspective, which would have been the better one, it would have been about a woman who started a sexual revolution. Just a few simple adjustments could have made this film spectacular...even IF Joe Peci was doing a calmer take on his Goodfellow's role...
It should have started with the end: Helen Mirren at the table during dinner with everyone--the people who stuck by HER, her devoted staff and brothel employees -- and THEN her recalling her life. Woulda been more interesting. She started something, legal brothels in Nevada. She did....not a man, and that's part of the true story aspect. An interesting part of pop culture whether we all agree with it or not. The troubled Argentinian boxer brought her love when she needed it. Her hubby was too busy trying to be little Mr. big man in Reno to attend to her real needs. He didn't even realize his wife of 26 years was sick! When he did see the problem, he went all gangsta... And then the tragedy.
"Oh here go Hell come"- The Fashion Show
reply
share