Is Brian DePalma's 'FEMME FATALE' worth buying as a blind purchase?

James Costin · 03-09-2003, 04:31 PM

I've enjoyed some of DePalma's previous films and would like other members opinions on whether it is worth buying as a blind purchase.

But please no spoilers even relatively minor ones.

Thomas T · 03-09-2003, 05:03 PM

Absolutely NOT as a blind purchase. I think Femme Fatale is DePalma's best film since Carlito's Way and easily one of the best films of last year and alongside Chicago, certainly the most "fun". But ..... having said that, it's pretty much a love it or hate it kind of movie. It seems to have polarized both audiences and critics so I suggest you rent it first to see if it's for you. Frankly, I don't think a lot of the audience or critics "got it".

Mark Pfeiffer · 03-09-2003, 06:03 PM

As a blind purchase it's pretty risky. I thought the beginning was brilliant, some of the best filmmaking of last year, and I liked the ending quite a bit too. Less enthralled with some of the stuff between.

JiM T · 03-09-2003, 06:23 PM

If you're a DePalma fan desparate for a new movie, then chances are you'll "get it", although there are plenty of people who didn't get it, and hate the movie (most reviewers, for instance). Definitely see the film, buy it if you get a good deal somewhere, otherwise, I agree with the other posters, in that you may want to rent it first. I saw it in the theater, and A DePalma fan, and am looking forward to buying this title.

JiM T

Will_B · 03-09-2003, 10:19 PM

Related note: Body Double is turning up in Best Buy's overstock "$8" bin, and I was wondering if there's any plans for a better quality issue of this one. As I recall this is one of the earliest DVDs, and looks and sounds like it.

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Neil S. Bulk · 03-09-2003, 11:49 PM

Tough call. I think it was the best film of last year, but like any DePalma film, this one really splits people down into the "love it" or "hate it" categories. That being said, I can't wait to watch this one again and again.

Neil

Christian Preischl · 03-10-2003, 04:37 AM

I haven't seen it yet (the film doesn't even have a German cinema release date!), but for me there was never a second of a doubt that I'd get this as soon as it hits DVD. It's Brian after all! The fact that Roger Ebert gave it 4 stars out of 4 also helped immensely.

So far I never regretted a single DePalma purchase because even if the movie was flawed DePalma's style always was so interesting visually that I got something out of it.

I can't wait to see Femme Fatale!

Chris

Mark Palermo · 03-10-2003, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Related note: Body Double is turning up in Best Buy's overstock "$8" bin, and I was wondering if there's any plans for a better quality issue of this one. As I recall this is one of the earliest DVDs, and looks and sounds like it.

Laurent Bouzereau mentioned a while back on the "Directed by Brian De Palma" web site that he was working on documentaries for special editions of BODY DOUBLE and CARLITO'S WAY. I don't think they've set any release dates yet.

And FEMME FATALE rules.

Simon_Lepine · 03-10-2003, 10:30 AM

Well I usually like DePalma a lot, I've seen all his movies, but I absolutely loathed Femme Fatale. I've seen some interpretations of the movie, but I'm still curious as to what there is 'to get'.

Will_B · 03-10-2003, 12:53 PM

Thanks Mark, I'll wait for it!