One man’s mundane life is another man’s Technicolor. – Lenny Nero (Ralph Feinnes)
On the eve of the New Millennium, an ex-cop and black marketer (Feinnes), who seeks and distributes virtual reality experiences tries to save his ex lover, Faith (Juliette Lewis) from a sadistic gangster in 1999 Los Angeles. Lenny, long stringy hair, Armani suit and a $200 tie, slick leather pants and a soon-to-be-repossessed Mercedes Benz and strung out has just the ticket for those who are curious about the “unmentionable, unthinkable” experiences in life: Prostitution, Armed Robbery, Maniacal Mayhem. Just ask Lenny and he’ll set you up with the SQUID, a technology that was first established by the Feds that is now on the black market-available through Lenny and his network of buddies. “Just check in and get wire tapped.”
Lenny is wheeling and dealing when he finds himself in the midst of a Gangster’s murder, which also includes his ex-flame and those surrounding him and his seedy life. Jericko One (Glenn Plummer) has been murdered, and Iris, Faith’s friend is next. Before she is murdered, she has to get a tape to Lenny. It is apparent that the LAPD is also corrupt and are soon chasing after Lenny and Mace (Angela Bassett). Officer Steckler (Vince D’Onofrio) plays an interesting and unquestionably bad cop who is out with is partner to get the two as Mace drives her Limo ahead of a blast of bullets. She is apt and tough as is her bullet-proof car flies into the ocean at the end of the car chase (and the pier).
Lenny’s old friend Max (Tom Sizemore), who has connections with the Homicide division helps him to track the police’s progress and follow Faith in an effort to protect her. He seems to also be the inside man to the Gangster, Philo Gan (Michael Wincott), the Nemesis and old business partner to Jericko One.
The story may seem a bit complex, but it really unravels itself well, even though a bit too perfect at the end of the adventure. Some amazing concepts here presented by James Cameron. His adaptation of the pre-apocalyptic new year and special effects along with a dynamic soundtrack add to the high strung adventure.
First, The depiction of the character Lenny Nero is outstanding by Ralph Feinnes. Feinnes has a very believable American accent and somehow is sexy even a sleazy man. His portrayal of Lenny Nero is, indeed, above and beyond expectations and far different than those “Feinnes fans” would anticipate. Second, The idea that one could go to the “Dark Side” by simply attaching a headdress and going there. No need for jail time or embarrassment, you too can imagine the forbidden fruit. Lenny shows a different side to his character when he gives to his paraplegic friend a disk with the experience of once again having use of his legs. All we see is the lower half of his body (really Feinnes legs) running and splashing in the waves. We also see the appreciation and emotions on his friend’s face as he experiences having legs again. Finally the action sequences with a view point from one of the characters gives a new depth and richness to the scenes. One way this is facilitated is by use of the SQUID.
Cameron and his great cast takes this film to a whole new level with the edge of the apocalypse and mayhem all over the city, murders and corruptness-all being taped and experienced via the virtual reality technology-Quite the unique experience. The only con to this new age thriller was that it went on a bit too long. Cameron could have cut this at least a half an hour without sacrificing a thing.
Awards: SATURN AWARDS 1996 Angela Bassett-best Actress and Katherine Bigalow-Director. Feinnes was nominated as best Actor as was Cameron for Best Writing.
Look... everyone needs to take a walk to the dark end of the street sometimes, it’s what we are. –Lenny Nero