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Pretty sure a few are already familiar with this one. If not, it's basically about Nicholas Cage as a gambling, drug addicted, authority abusing police lieutenant in what may or may not be, could be but probably isn't a remake of Abel Ferrera's 1992 film of the same name. This one is directed by Werner Herzog, respectively.
Not going to get into comparisons between the two films as there's a very good chance they're unrelated, aside from similarities between the protagonists and the directors themselves (Ferrera and Herzog are both nuts!). I'll just talk about the film itself. At first glance, Bad Lieutenant feels like a pretty standard cop drama with a few idiosyncrasies scattered throughout. Upon closer observation, I think it's safe to say that this one's more self-aware them most. It wears its cliches on its sleeve and seems to have a subtle undercurrent of humor running through. None of it feels overly complex so I think one would be able to read it both ways.
But what really seems to make the film, for critics and fans alike, is Nicholas Cage. Both his character and his performance. The character is great because his "badness" is never justified, condemned or even explained, for that matter. You never know what he's about. He's just "bad." Get used to it. Enjoy the ride. That's not to say none of it matters. Cage's actions outside the law are indeed what keep things moving.
People have been raving about Cage's performance for some time now. Herzog said it was Cage's best performance ever. This being the same guy who threatened to kill actor Klaus Kinsky and subsequently himself on the set of Aguirre: Wrath of God. You sort of have to take his word for it. The guy knows crazy. So needless to say, I was looking forward to this. I've never been a Nicholas Cage fan and think he is one of the most overrated actors of all time.
So what did I think of him in this film? Well, I wasn't blown away. I have a feeling I'm just never going to get into the guy. However I was impressed. As a performance in and of itself, it was well above average and as a performance for Cage, he was considerably more lively and on his game than any other film I've seen him in. At the very least, he was fun to watch and he was definitely convincing as a drug addict. His behavior changed significantly based on what drugs he was taking (or not taking) at the time. I wouldn't say it's easy to make those transitions.
What I loved the most about the film was that while, for the most part, it was pretty grounded and straight-forward narratively, every once and a while, it would veer off into something completely wacky and unexpected. The iguana is already infamous. There's also an insane interrogation scene between Cage, a wheelchair bound senior and her nurse which is both shocking and hilarious at the same time. The coolest is what may be one of the greatest shootout scenes of all time toward the end of the film. It certainly was to me. Not because its action-packed but because it's completely bizarre, unexpected and hilarious. You can't help but go WTF.
Overall, not a bad flick. I'm not a big fan of cop dramas. I think they're boring. But if I had to pick one, it might be this one.
Yes, the soul dancing, I think, was the best part of the movie. Admittedly, I didn't go into it expecting much, and I got what I expected. Nic Cage was doing his best (worst?) acting since The Wicker Man but I'm glad you named my favorite part of the movie. Something about that just made me laugh. And, yes, I think it's related to Bad Lieutenant in name only. Although, Nic Cage does a few of the exact same things Harvey Keitel did in the original, so who knows?
Pretty sure a few are already familiar with this one. If not, it's basically about Nicholas Cage as a gambling, drug addicted, authority abusing police lieutenant in what may or may not be, could be but probably isn't a remake of Abel Ferrera's 1992 film of the same name. This one is directed by Werner Herzog, respectively.
Not going to get into comparisons between the two films as there's a very good chance they're unrelated, aside from similarities between the protagonists and the directors themselves (Ferrera and Herzog are both nuts!).
As far as I know it’s an "unofficial" remake without the blessing of Ferrara. In fact, he publically stated that he hoped everybody involved in the film died of [insert lethal affliction here] While Herzog, in typical fashion, repeatedly said in an interview when asked about the original that he didn't even know who Ferrara was, feigning complete ignorance to the 1992 film and its director. What a crazy basta?d.
Personally, this is probably my most anticipated film hitting cinemas at the moment. Looking forward to see Nic Cage give one of those wild performances of his that we know he's capable of - See Raising Arizona, Wild At heart, Leaving Las Vegas (in particular) and Adaptation. for proof. Unfortunately these occasional moments of brilliance are all too rare amongst the dross he frequently stars in. Fingers crossed.
As far as I know it’s an "unofficial" remake without the blessing of Ferrara. In fact, he publically stated that he hoped everybody involved in the film died of [insert lethal affliction here] While Herzog, in typical fashion, repeatedly said in an interview when asked about the original that he didn't even know who Ferrara was, feigning complete ignorance to the 1992 film and its director. What a crazy basta?d.
I've read up on the history as well. In fact, Ferrera said he hoped everyone involved would be "on the same street car when it blows up." I suppose Herzog feigning ignorance is very much within his character. This is the same guy who threatened to kill actor Klaus Kinsky and subsequently himself on the set of Aguirre: Wrath of God. He's as crazy as Ferrera.
Still, apparently the title Bad Lieutenant was added later and in the behind-the-scenes, Herzog mentioned during shooting that he expected the title to be changed. Who knows? I just love the characters of these two guys. Real directors threaten to commit murder-suicide and wish death upon their contemporaries.
Personally, this is probably my most anticipated film hitting cinemas at the moment. Looking forward to see Nic Cage give one of those wild performances of his that we know he's capable of - See Raising Arizona, Wild At heart, Leaving Las Vegas (in particular) and Adaptation. for proof. Unfortunately these occasional moments of brilliance are all too rare amongst the dross he frequently stars in. Fingers crossed.
I still have to see the first three. I saw Adaptation and thought it was great. But not because of Nicholas Cage. I've also seen Lord of War which is a favorite amongst Cage fans. Again, great. But not because of Cage. Here, he's much more of an asset but I still think it's strange that Cage always looks and acts like he's on tranquilizers and yet is hailed as a cinematic madman.
Coincidentally, I've seen some clips from Vampire's Kiss. Here, he does strike me as totally nuts. I'm still open to being convinced of his greatness but as of now, I just don't see it so much.
I've read up on the history as well. In fact, Ferrera said he hoped everyone involved would be "on the same street car when it blows up." I suppose Herzog feigning ignorance is very much within his character. This is the same guy who threatened to kill actor Klaus Kinsky and subsequently himself on the set of Aguirre: Wrath of God. He's as crazy as Ferrera.
Still, apparently the title Bad Lieutenant was added later and in the behind-the-scenes, Herzog mentioned during shooting that he expected the title to be changed. Who knows? I just love the characters of these two guys. Real directors threaten to commit murder-suicide and wish death upon their contemporaries.
Not to mention his "I'll eat my own shoe" statement in regards Errol Morris making the Pet Cemetery doc which led to Herzog's subsequent short film "Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe". A lunatic for sure but a glorious one.
I still have to see the first three. I saw Adaptation and thought it was great. But not because of Nicholas Cage. I've also seen Lord of War which is a favorite amongst Cage fans. Again, great. But not because of Cage. Here, he's much more of an asset but I still think it's strange that Cage always looks and acts like he's on tranquilizers and yet is hailed as a cinematic madman.
Coincidentally, I've seen some clips from Vampire's Kiss. Here, he does strike me as totally nuts. I'm still open to being convinced of his greatness but as of now, I just don't see it so much.
I was going to include "Vampire's Kiss" in the list but its been so long since I seen it I'm afraid what I once held as an effectively twisted, OTT performance may have waned over time, I'll need to watch it again. I do stand by the others though including Adaptation. fantastic film and, in my opinion, a remarkable double performance by him. Other honourable mentions I'd include in the "Good" category are Matchstick Men, Bringing Out The Dead, Red Rock West and his small roles in Rumble Fish and The Cotton Club.
Funnily enough, I fu?king despise Lord of War and everything about it including Cage, one of the most, phoney, confused, morally misguided films I've seen in recent memory which I was surprised since Niccol is responsible for Gattaca and The Truman Show.
I may add too that overall I'm not a huge Cage fan since he lets himself down so often doing crap, you kinda lose patience. Like I said in my original post, there are a few gleaming diamonds amid his wide expanse of rough which make me think he's alright but For Leaving Las Vegas alone I'll always have huge respect for him no matter what. For me, its a case of when he's great, he's amazing but when he's Ghost Rider/Wicker Man/Captain Corelli's Mandolin bad...oh dear.
Oh, come on, Kurtz. You're telling me you don't just kick back and laugh at The Wicker Man from time to time? Don't lie. You know you do.
I don't know, man, the whole "so bad its funny" thing can wear thin pretty quickly, especially since I loved the original so much. With the recent travesty that was "Death At A Funeral" (another puke inducing remake) LaBute really needs to get his shit together and go back directing his own original scripts, in my humble...
He He, I hear ya, don't get me wrong, Blonde, I enjoy the occasional leave-your-brain-at-the-reception film as much as the next man. School of Rock proudly held its place at number 20 on my films of the decade me and mates drew up a few months back.
Watched Role Models recently and found it to be surprisingly decent within the realm of its genre. I can't deny getting a kick out of stuff like Cliffhanger, Black Rain, The Foot Fist Way, Dewey Cox, I consider Dumb and Dumber a classic in its own right hell I even cracked a smile watching Drillbit Taylor (when no one was looking) . The original Inglorious Basta?ds is hilarious for the very reasons you mentioned above too, we're all susceptible to those guilty pleasures now and again.
As for a marathon of this stuff? Its an ever constant temptation, I must check my schedule.
Cliffhanger was a movie which was better than it deserved to be. Written by Sly and directed by Renny Harlin, the director behind such classics as MindHunters, Nightmare on Elm St. 4 and Driven.
But, yes, if you have a few hours to waste, I'd recommend one of those sessions. =)
Just saw this last night. Cage's performance is everything they said it was. From his lopsided posture to the buckets of drugs and that weird, I don't know, jimmy Stewart sort of accent he does. This is some piece of work. Cage was perfect for this role, because he's always seemed on the edge himself.
That old lady interrogation...wow. I'll remember that for awhile. I love how he's shaving with the electric razor behind the door. WTF?
On the ending, it was kind of strange. How everything suddenly worked out perfectly for him. Maybe too perfectly. I went on IMDB and it looks like some people thought that maybe Cage od'd while watching that football game and doing that ultra-pure coke. Myself, I'm really not sure. Anyway, I thought Cage's insane performance carried this movie.
Decided to move this up my Netflix que and watched it last night.
Hmmm, not sure where to begin or even how to approach this. This is a bizarre movie to say the least. I mean bizarre in every way.
Warner Herzog - not real familiar with him other than by name but I did some searching and see he's a real nut.
The writer is a TV show writer and this is his first time on the big screen.
Nic Cage - Certified wackjob, who seems to have trouble choosing his projects wisely.
Eva Mendez - WTF is she doing in here?
Val Kilmer - WTF happened to him? He looks absolutely terrible and has been showing up in DTV's like crazy lately...sad...very sad.
OK, so I had a bad feeling early on, as things looked really cheap and poorly set up.
I was very surprised to find out they spent $25 Million and had a 40+ day shoot. It grossed $10.5 Million, and $8.8 Million of that was from overseas, so let's call this an abysmal flop for all involved, even though Nic definitely shows up and gives one of his wackiest performances ever.
While watching, I have to say I was entertained, but I also felt that EVERYTHING seemed ridiculous, far fetched, completely unrealistic, downright stupid at times. Near the end, I commented to my girlfriend that I was actually wondering whether or not this was actually meant to be taken as a comedy. In reading on IMDB, I think that's a good possibility, but it's a missfire, cause it walks the line between gritty cop drama and comedy, but doesn't really deliver on either side.
Just for watching Nic do his stuff, is worth the price of admission for me, but this is not a good movie, and once again, I'm left scratching my head, wondering why in the fuck people put up $25 Million for something like this, knowing damn well it would never have a chance of making that money back.
Your comment about this being a "great movie". I'm shocked. It's an interesting movie, based on Cage's crazy performance, but it's so far from anything remotely close to great.
Rick, yous and mes seem to have very, very different tastes in movies.
Your comment about this being a "great movie". I'm shocked. It's an interesting movie, based on Cage's crazy performance, but it's so far from anything remotely close to great.
Rick, yous and mes seem to have very, very different tastes in movies.
Warner Herzog is one of the best directors around and this was a great film IMO.
Looking on Rotten Tomatoes it has an 87% approval rating...so the critics thought it was top notch as well.
Looking at your review you focus a lot on "realism"...which is a bit weird to be honest when the film is an exercise in surrealism.
It's a bit like saying this isn't a very good painting because it doesn't look much like Dali:
Herzog was once called the most important director alive and he is much loved in the art-house world and amongst film buffs....his films, both narrative and documentary, are almost always outstanding.
His films are extremely thematically heavy, so I'd understand why you don't really "get" them because that's not really your thing...although I noticed you said you enjoyed it...so subconsciously it was working on you, you're perhaps just not sure how to interpret it.
Rick, yous and mes seem to have very, very different tastes in movies.
Hahaha....as Rick takes a huge sigh of relief. Even Jeff would have to concede that for many this equates to a great, big seal of approval.
I did not think this was a great film, but it was good, and I am not ashamed to say that about 7 times out of 10 I enjoy Cage's work -- this was one of them.
If you did not find it hysterical when he was interrogating that old lady, the film just wasn't for you.
Bert, I'm with you on Cage...I like him and think he brings something unique to the vast majority of his films, and because of him, I did "semi" enjoy this, but it's so far from a good or great film, IMO.
Rick, I'm not an "arthouse" guy..never have been, never will be, never want to be.
I'm familiar with Werner, but far from a fan.
I'll take Eli, you can have Werner.
You do make me laugh. Comparing one of the greatest directors who ever lived who has an output of cinematic masterpieces going back decades to someone who has made Cabin Fever, Hostel and Hostel 2!
I enjoyed Cabin Fever, but we're talking an altogether different level of filmmaking!
Rick, I wasn't making any comparisons, whatsoever. BUT, you have to understand that the vast, VAST majority of Werner's films, are films no one other than film students will see...or want to see.
My point is that I like what I like and you like what you like. And that's cool, right?
BTW, Cabin Fever is by far Eli's weakest film. I can't really even say I liked it. Too goofy. But, the Hostel films? Oh yeah, baby, now we're talking.
Awesome movie. I love how we really see the weakness and the strength of this character, the bad and the good. Very original, at least in my limited experience. And funny. I recommend it.
The Abel Ferrera film w/ Harvey Keitel? Yes. That was riveting stuff. Can't recall much humor in it though.
I liked Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans, but that's due to Werner Herzog getting Nic Cage's best acting in years. It's neither remake or sequel to the NC-17 rated '92 film, but, as Herzog put it "a rethought'.
I love the scene when they're raiding the house in the ghetto to nab a suspect, and sneaking through the house next door, he spies a bag of weed(I think it was weed), sniffs it lustily, and pockets it. That was funny.
Awesome movie... the weakness and the strength of (t)his character, the bad and the good.
There was no good & there was no strength - I though that was the whole point of it - the blatant honesty about how seedy he was - that he had no redeeming features but the film was clear on it - I thought that was the whole point.
When I first watched this, and I had picked the story up some where in the middle, that was my impression as well. I later had the chance to watch this from close to the beginning, and saw it in a very different light. Look at the way he pursues the murderers of the kid. He wants to solve the crime, he cares about the victim, he is just also overcome by his own needs and flaws, which he no longer has any control over. So he is a very compromised man, but there is good in him. That's why they go out of their way to show him in his childhood home, give a sense of where he is from and why he is the way he is.
They don't sugarcoat his flaws, and there is no redemption. He remains flawed at the end. Which is a nice change from the paint by the numbers formula.
EDIT - THIS REFERS TO THE 1992 HARVEY KEITEL ORIGINAL
Can't agree with you guys here, as I was very, very underwhelmed with this movie.
I'm sure I've seen it long ago, but I had little memory of anything, which goes to show that even back then, it didn't stick with me.
IMO, there are many problems here.
First of all, there's really no story whatsoever. If you want to say it's about 4 or 5 days in the life of a fucked up police officer, OK, I'll buy that, but that does not a story make. The nun rape side story wasn't played up nearly enough and came off as a last ditch effort at "adding" a story to the story-less plot.
The movie is so dark, that it actually comes off as comedy almost. I mean, c'mon now. There is nothing remotely rewarding or uplifting here, and that's a serious turnoff in a movie. Unless this was supposed to take place in the 70's, it just doesn't fly in any sense of reality. Keitel's unnamed character spends literally every waking minute ingesting, injecting, snorting, and smoking drugs which run the gambit from pot to heroin...and let's not forget the coke and crack. Just too much to be able to function, especially in a high profile role of a police lieutenant.
The ending was what really sealed the deal for me, though. Just so weak, so lame, so downright stupid. A complete copout, IMO.
As a script or movie, it's lacking badly in so many ways. Take a look at literally every single secondary character here and tell me what happens with them. Nothing. Absolutely nothing, as none of them have any bearing in the "story", or maybe because there is no story. All the cops, all the drug buddies...we never hear from them again, once their time is past and why would we care anyways?
Finally, there's an interesting backstory to this film and its NC17 rating. To be honest, I don't quite get why or how this got an NC17 rating and why the film makers let it slide. IS there any violence that's shown onscreen? Is there any sex? Any nudity? I don't think so. It's all based on drug use and probably tone and subject matter. I don't know if I've seen more, but I've seen it all before in numerous R rated movies, and for me, this only adds more nails to the coffin, as the movie seems to want to push the envelope, but IMO, it's nothing all that shocking, other than how dull, plodding, and bludgeoning it is.
Now, I like Harvey Keitel and I will give him credit here for sure, as he did a good job and really seemed to immerse himself in his role and the portrayal of a complete druggie like this. And his great performance carries the film as long as it can, but when nothing really changes or happens, it starts to drag, and even the power of the material and subject matter loses what it had.
Definitely not for everyone and IMO, not for many at all.
I have not seen that one Jeff. I was referring to the Nicholas Cage version that came out a couple of years ago.
Kev, you are talking about Port of Call New Orleans. Thread title amended.
You should check out the original, which (to me) is more interesting than Jeff makes it out to be -- but I never argue Jeff's opinions with Jeff anymore
Quoted from Dreamscale
Finally, there's an interesting backstory to this film and its NC17 rating. To be honest, I don't quite get why or how this got an NC17 rating and why the film makers let it slide. IS there any violence that's shown onscreen? Is there any sex? Any nudity? I don't think so.
If you have forgotten the full-frontal shot from Mr. Keitel, it has been a while since you've seen this movie. Some guy with his dork hanging out will always get you an NC-17.
I just watched it on Netflix streaming over the weekend. Maybe it was edited out? I don't know, but I definitely didn't see any dorks hanging out. It did say it was rated NC17 though.
I guess I'll delete my post, as it has nothing to do with the Cage Bad Lieutenant.
The ending was anything but a copout..it was refreshingly bleak and honest. A copout would have been to have him redeem himself and then live happily ever after. He's found spiritual redemption, but in the real world he still has to pay the price for the life he's lived.
There's a very strong story that looks at the nature of morality, religion, forgiveness and redemption.
It's a top, top film and the masturbation scene still hits as hard as ever to this day.
@Kev.
I agree with your assessment of the modern film. I thought it was excllent as well. It was a traditional police procedure film, but elevated by the strong and unusual direction and by some moments of real genius.
I also concur with your reading of the central character. He's essentially good (evidenced by saving the guy at the beginning from drowning) and by his remorseless hunting down of the bad guys.
It makes a great accompanying piece to the original, dealing with similar themes but in a much different way.
I'm glad you agree with the assessment, Rick, as I was wondering if I was crazy. I have not actually been able to see the film all in one sitting, and I haven't even seen the drowning scene you just mentioned. I've seen most of it, though, and it surprised me how refreshingly original I personally found it.
I had the chance to watch the first half of the original BL for the first time last night. Harvey K is simply brilliant. I've known cops that were kind of like this. Actually, the badge gets you into a lot of parties, and many cops end up on this road.
The Nicholas Cage version managed to be much more entertaining then the original, while retaining most of the grittiness. I'm a little surprised more people haven't chimed in positively about this film. I guess that's because no limbs were sawed off. I'm no film student, but I enjoyed it, found it original.
NOTE - This is in reference to the original 1992 film
Well, I did some digging, and the version streaming on Netflix is the R rated cut, not the NC17 version. Netflix does say this is rated NC17, though, which is a bit strange.
If you do a Google search, you can easily find (and see) exactly what's different in the 2 cuts. I now understand why the original got an NC 17 rating.
Mystery solved.
Now, there is another mystery I have to ask about...
Kevin, how can you start a thread on a movie you haven't seen in its entirety? I don't understand...I really don't. I mean, how can you say the movie's good or bad without seeing the whole thing?
I don't mean to give you shit, but every time I see a new post here, it's reaffirmed, and to me, it's just crazy.
I've seen pretty much the whole thing. I must have missed perhaps the first minutes. The hazards of surfing. When I posted this, I thought I had only missed the opening credits. But I did see the main part of the story, beginning with the killings witnessed by the black kid. I stand by my recommendation to watch the film. It's not only entertaining and original, there is a depth to the character that I found memorable.
I don't mind if you give me shit. As long as it's to my face. Or the internet version of that. Can you do that?
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