Directed by Lee Tamahori, and written by Pete Dexter, Mulholland Falls (1996) is a solid Neo-Noir film that was never given the attention it deserves. The story concerns a tough-as-nails cop squad in 1950's Los Angeles, investigating the murder of a young woman… and the connection to a powerful Army General in the Nuclear Program. The set design and cinematography add to the gritty period feel. Nick Nolte is great in the lead role. Jennifer Connelly is sexy in her brief role, appearing mostly in home sex film footage, showing off her beautiful naked body and large bare breasts in a series of erotic nude sex scenes. The supporting ensemble cast does a fine job as well, including John Malkovich, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, Chaz Palminteri, Melanie Griffith, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCartyTreat Williams and Bruce Dern. Aaron Neville appears as a singer.
Mulholland Falls. 1996: Jennifer Connelly
Mulholland Falls. 1996
Mulholland Falls. 1996:
Mulholland Falls. 1996
Mulholland Falls. 1996: Jennifer Connelly
Mulholland Falls. 1996
Mulholland Falls. 1996: Jennifer Connelly
Mulholland Falls. 1996: Melanie Griffith and Nick Nolte
Mulholland Falls. 1996: Jennifer Connelly
Mulholland Falls. 1996: John Malkovich and Nick Nolte
Written and directed by Brian De Palma, Femme Fatale (2002) received mixed reviews upon it's release, but has since grown to become a Cult Classic. Stark, Noir-like, mysterious and abstract, the story concerns a female jewel thief and the trouble she finds herself in after double-crossing her co-conspirators. A large part of the film's success has to do with the allure of it's beautiful star, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, who tantalizes the camera with her magnetism. She is sensual, lovely, shrewd, devious and stunning all at once. The supporting cast is good as well, including Antonio Banderas, Peter Coyote, and Supermodel Rie Rasmussen. Femme Fatale is often underrated, but is well worth it.
Femme Fatale. 2002: Rebecca Romijn
Femme Fatale. 2002: Rie Rasmussen
Femme Fatale. 2002: Rebecca Romijn and Rie Rasmussen
Femme Fatale. 2002: Rebecca Romijn and Rie Rasmussen
Directed by Dennis Hopper, The Hot Spot (1990) has earned a place in the realm of Cult Classics. At times an intriguing modern Film Noir mystery, the film also delves into darker areas. Perhaps the most enduring aspects of The Hot Spot are the scenes featuring a young Jennifer Connelly and Virginia Madsen. The rest of the cast is good, including Don Johnson and Charles Martin Smith.
