A journey into cinematic Hell,
Keitel will make your jaw drop
with one of the most dedicated
performances of all time.
Harvey Keitel is a phenomenal actor, few doubt that. He has delivered several wonderful performances between now and the late 60's, however I almost guarantee that you will be shocked by Bad Lieutenant. Keitel delivers a earth-shattering performance that will leave you feeling hollow and emotionally destroyed. I could honestly end my review right there, this film deserves to be seen for this performance alone, even without the films many other notable achievements and successful elements.
Among those other successful elements includes the fantastic cinematography. It looks rough, gritty and old fashioned, like a 70's exploitation thriller which managed to survive the years through drugs and dumb luck. Much like Keitel's character. It reminded me a lot of Mean Streets, and it is brimming with rough charm and personality. This is a film with a very specific tone and feel, and the cinematography perfectly compliments this tone and creates an indescribable atmosphere. Almost any still from this film could be used in an anti-drug poster campaign or something, the film is that effectively shot.
The film's screenplay is fantastic, a simply but shockingly poignant tale of redemption and degeneration. Keitel's is given all the time he needs to develop his disgusting character, whilst also planting brief moments of sympathy and hope here and there. The subplot about the nun's rape is given enough time to get it's complex and unique ideas across, however it never feels even remotely superfluous and ties into the film's main themes beautifully.
In conclusion, there is little I can say about this film. It is such an effective and emotion rending experience that I don not want to spoil anymore than I have to. Watch it for yourself and witness one of the greatest performances I have ever seen, wrapped in one of the most disguising characters I have ever witnessed.
By Jack D. Phillips
A Zoom Film Review
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