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Palmetto: A Neo-Noir Thriller That Will Keep You Hooked Until the End
Palmetto is a neo-noir thriller that tells the story of Harry Barber (played by Woody Harrelson), a journalist who returns to his hometown of Palmetto, Florida, after serving time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Soon after his arrival, he gets entangled in a web of deceit and corruption that could cost him everything he holds dear.
The Plot: A Classic Tale of Greed and Betrayal
The movie’s plot is inspired by James Hadley Chase’s novel “Just Another Sucker” and follows the classic noir formula of a hero who gets pulled into a dangerous game by a seductive femme fatale. In this case, it’s Rhea Malroux (played by Elisabeth Shue), the wealthy widow of a local businessman who hires Harry to help her fake her own kidnapping.
Things take an unexpected turn when Rhea’s plan goes wrong, and Harry finds himself framed for murder. He must then navigate through a corrupt police force and criminal underworld to clear his name and uncover the truth behind Rhea’s scheme.
The Cast: Stellar Performances All Around
The movie boasts an impressive cast of talented actors who deliver top-notch performances. Woody Harrelson shines as the sympathetic but flawed hero, while Elisabeth Shue oozes sex appeal and danger as the cunning femme fatale.
Other notable performances include Gina Gershon as Harry’s former lover and local bartender, Michael Rapaport as Harry’s best friend, and Rolf Hoppe as Malroux, Rhea’s eccentric and manipulative father-in-law.
The Score: A Moody and Atmospheric Soundtrack
The movie’s score, composed by Klaus Badelt, perfectly captures the moody and atmospheric tone of the film. The music is sparse but effective in creating tension and suspense, with haunting melodies that stay with you long after the movie is over.
The Cinematography: Dark and Stylish Visuals
The movie’s visuals are just as impressive as its cast and score. Director Volker Schlöndorff creates a dark and stylish world that perfectly fits the story and characters. The use of shadows, close-ups, and slow-motion shots adds to the film’s noir feel, while the sunny yet sinister setting of Palmetto creates a sense of unease throughout.
Opinion: Palmetto is a Flawed but Entertaining Thriller
While Palmetto may not be the greatest neo-noir thriller ever made, it’s still a solid and entertaining one. The cast is excellent, the plot keeps you guessing until the end, and the visuals and music create a moody and atmospheric world that draws you in.
That being said, the movie does have some flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, and some of the plot twists feel contrived or predictable. Also, while Woody Harrelson gives a great performance as Harry Barber, his character can be frustratingly passive at times, making it hard to root for him as much as you want to.
Scenes: Memorable Moments That Stay with You
Despite its flaws, Palmetto has several memorable scenes that stand out and stick with you. One of them is the opening credits sequence, which features stunning aerial shots of Palmetto’s landscape set to Klaus Badelt’s haunting score.
Another standout moment is when Harry first meets Rhea Malroux at her mansion. Their chemistry is palpable, and you can feel the sexual tension between them simmering just beneath the surface.
The final act of the movie also delivers some thrilling moments as Harry races against time to clear his name and bring Rhea to justice. The showdown between him and Malroux is especially tense and satisfying.
Analysis: Palmetto is a Study in Noir Tropes
Palmetto is a movie that clearly loves and respects the classic noir genre. It’s full of nods and references to its predecessors, from its femme fatale to its flawed hero to its shadowy visuals. However, it also manages to put its own spin on these tropes, creating a movie that feels fresh and modern while still paying homage to the past.
One interesting twist on the classic noir formula is the fact that Harry isn’t a detective or private eye but rather a journalist. This adds an interesting layer of complexity to his character and motivations, as he’s not driven by a desire for justice or revenge but rather by his curiosity and loyalty to Rhea.
The Production: A Troubled History Behind the Scenes
Despite the quality of the final product, Palmetto had a troubled production history. Originally set to be directed by Michael Caton-Jones, the movie underwent several changes in cast and crew before eventually landing with Volker Schlöndorff.
The script also underwent extensive rewrites before shooting began, with several different writers contributing at various stages. This may explain some of the inconsistencies in pacing and plot that some viewers have criticized.
Conclusion: A Film That Leaves an Impression
All in all, Palmetto is a flawed but engaging movie that manages to capture the spirit of classic noir while still feeling fresh and modern. Its talented cast and crew deliver a moody and atmospheric thriller that will keep you hooked until the end.
Whether you’re a fan of neo-noir or just looking for an entertaining movie to watch, Palmetto is definitely worth checking out. It may not be perfect, but it’s a film that leaves an impression and stays with you long after the credits roll.