OK...this was...well...let's just say this was interesting.

We've got a film noir here with a pretty solid cast, inclduing Antonio Banderas, William Fichtner, Sam Elliot (in a long white wig) and a number of recognizable, good actors.  A nice budget of $17 Million, and what looks like no North American theatrical release.

Lots of positive buzz surrounding this script and movie, which was filmed back in 2009.  How is it, you ask?  What the Hell happened to it?  Ah...2 great questions.

I'm not a big fan of film noir.  Just comes off very cheesy to me, unrealistic.  I gave this a go, cause of what I had read and that I like Antonio Banderas and William Fichtner...and a bunch of the other talent on display here.  It took me 2 sittings to get through, so obviously, I wasn't a big fan...but I can see where some will dig this, just far from the masses.

The script is a mess, as far as I'm concerned.  Very convoluted, very rambling, very unrealistic.  It is filled with what many would call "intelligence" and maybe deep undertones, but for me, it didn't remotely work, nor could it ever.  But again, I can see where many could be tricked into thinking it was well written and conceived, and that' most likely why all the talent committed and $17 Million was ponied up.

Like your typical film noir, we have lots of odd lighting going on, surreal set-pieces, V.O., and Flashbacks galore.  Basically, the vast majority of the movie is told through Flashbacks.  There's lots of obvious green screen effects going on, where actors are standing or sitting on a stage, with fake scenery behind them.

This is an R rated movie and it definitely deserves and utilizes its rating with profanity, nudity and sex, as well as violence.  The tone is hard to explain, as it's both dark and trippy, but never menacing.  Maybe somewhat tongue in cheek?  Hard to say, really, as there are numerous scenes that just can't be taken seriously, yet are integral to the entire setup and plot - and played straight.  This was a huge problem for me early on, as the film lost all credibility, and seemed to do it for no reason at all, as these were story plot points that were most likely part of the original script.

As I said, I like Banderas and always have, but having him do alot of V.O. work is an issue, as his voice can be hard to understand, when you don't see his lips moving.  Another issue is the catalyst for everything, the character of "Anton the Pro Protopov", played by 7 foot Robert Maillet, a French Canadian "actor" and former professional wrestler, who speaks in a very thick, almost cartoonish Russian accent.  The exchanges between his character and Banderas' character are both hard to follow and rather comedic.

What really blows this out of the water for me, is the silly turn in story that takes place after they get to NM.  This "twist" is also what most likely garnered so much interest in the script and what many peeps will appreciate, though, as it's very non standard, and downright wacky.

Points for being different are definitely awarded, but to think this could or would be a financial success is ludicrous and another example of piss poor decision making by those who hold the power.  This is most likely why it was never released in the US, and also why it arrived so quietly to DVD and Blu-Ray.  I'm sure all involved thought they had a hit on their hands, but as production rolled along, it must have become clear there were major problems in the source material and it just wasn't going to be commercially viable.

Don't get me wrong here, this movie is more than watchable and there are those who will really dig it, but there are so many problems that could have been so easy to clean up.  Worth a watch on Netflix for fans of noir, David Lynch-type bizarre movies, or any of the talent on display.

I gave it 2 stars - "didn't like".

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_big_bang_2011/

$17M gone to waste.
WTH are people thinking of?

I like this:
"The Big Bang is an action-packed thrill ride featuring an all-star cast, added Kevin Kasha, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Acquisitions and Co-Productions for Anchor Bay Films. The movie is an exciting addition to the Anchor Bay Films slate."
http://www.deadline.com/2011/01/sundance-anchor-bay-acquires-the-big-bang/
That seem accurate to you, Jeff?

Maybe it'll be on youtube's free movies list next year.
Can't wait.  

Of the 2011 Sundance feature films that picked up distribution try WIN WIN and THE GUARD.

GL

Well, to call, this "action packed" is a bit misleading, although there are numerous action scenes that are done pretty well.

The problem for me has to do with the inane plot and story, which goes everywhere it possible can, which is way too many places.

As you said, another $17 Million wasted, and IMO, it should have been very obvious from the script alone that there was limited to no commercial possibilities here.

The film had a limited theatrical run before going (pretty much) right to DVD. The trailer looked really nice. The talent involved is a good draw. I rented it on DVD last summer.

For Jeff, for Ray....

How far into the film did you get before you thought about any of the following:

- pulling teeth/having your teeth pulled;

- are thankful that Bandaras still has an acting career thanks to Pedro Almodovar and Steven Soderbergh;

- wondered if Delroy Lindo and/or Sam Elliot and/or William Fichtner really just did it for the quick check (hey, some of that 17 m had to go somewhere)

- wished Bill Duke directed instead;

- what in the hell happened to Erik Jendresen--? Same guy who was a party to Band Of Brothers, wasn't he? Good Lordy, yes it is the same person!! And he was also one of the film's producers! I guess he really should be commended, having that much faith in his script. Maybe it looked good on paper...but I doubt it. I think he had some industry cred, (due to Band) (co)produced his script, and there you go

The plot was hard to follow. The acting was stiff. Dutch angles, neon everywhere...I had to use the vysine to get the red out of my eyes. I didn't have any liquor around, but I felt drunk. No, that was me bored, falling asleep...

I never finished watching it. After 25 minutes, (which felt like three hours) I couldn't take it anymore. They waste 17 million. I wasted three bucks...but 25 minutes could have been more productive....

And I love Noir.
And I dig David Lynch.


David Lynch did not direct this movie.
And this was a piece of shit.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley How far into the film did you get before you thought about any of the following: - pulling teeth/having your teeth pulled; - are thankful that Bandaras still has an acting career thanks to Pedro Almodovar and Steven Soderbergh; - wondered if Delroy Lindo and/or Sam Elliot and/or William Fichtner really just did it for the quick check (hey, some of that 17 m had to go somewhere) - wished Bill Duke directed instead;.

Well, I don't recall thinking about my teeth

I actually like Antonio Banderas, as I said and think his performance here was pretty good, considering the lines he had to recite and the action/story/plot he had to work within.

I also thought Lindo and Fichtner were fine, as well as good actors.  Fichtner did come across a bit over the top, but again, he had to deal with what he was given, and he definitely brought life to his character.

Sam Elliot?  Hmmm, he's also a good actor and always makes an impression, but that long white wig made it so that I couldn't rally take anything he said or did seriously, not that he did or said anything that could be taken seriously.

Bill Duke rocks, flat out.  He should have had a much bigger role.  Hell, why not let him try his hand at directing?  But, I'd much rather see him onscreen.

DJS - I too fell asleep within the first 25 minutes, but decided to give it another shot the next night.

Quoted Text Hell, why not let him [Bill Duke] try his hand at directing?

A Rage In Harlem and Deep Cover are indeed guilty pleasues, aren't they?