Directed by John Sturges, Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) is a superb film that successfully combines elements of Film Noir and Western genres. The story concerns a mysterious one-armed WWII veteran that shows up in a tight-lipped isolated desert town in search of a missing man… and asks too many questions. Tense action and stand-offs run throughout, making this an enjoyable "must see" film masterpiece. Spencer Tracy is tough, cool and badass in the lead role. The supporting cast is wonderful as well, including Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Walter Brennan, Anne Francis and Robert Ryan.
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955: Spencer Tracy
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955: Spencer Tracy
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955: Lee Marvin and Spencer Tracy
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955: Walter Brennan and Spencer Tracy
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955: Spencer Tracy
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955: Spencer Tracy and Ernest Borgnine
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955: Spencer Tracy and Ernest Borgnine
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955: Spencer Tracy and Ernest Borgnine
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955: Ernest Borgnine
Bad Day at Black Rock. 1955: Spencer Tracy and Lee Marvin
Directed by Gus Van Sant, with a screenplay by Buck Henry based on the book by Joyce Maynard, To Die For (1995) was inspired by the real-life 1990 murder story of Pamela Smart. The plot concerns an ambitious, opportunistic, aspiring TV newswoman who convinces a group of gullible teens to kill her husband. Shot in a mockumentary style, the film is full of dark humor, sexuality and emotion fueled by scary intentions. Nicole Kidman is great in the lead role... altogether beautiful and cunning. The supporting cast is good as well, including Matt Dillon, Buck Henry, Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck.
Directed by Michael Caton-Jones, Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction (2006) is a sequel to the smash erotic Neo-Noir 1992 hit, Basic Instinct. The story, which has Sharon Stone reprising her character as Catherine Tramell in a sex-crazed and murderous London romp, went through many difficult changes and developments over the years before finally coming to fruition. The film is more tame than it's 1992 predecessor. Sharon Stone, who was 48 at the time of filming, still looks ravishingly good. The supporting cast is good as well, including David Morrissey, David Thewlis, Flora Montgomery and Charlotte Rampling.
