Killer Joe

Thomas Haden Church and Matthew McConaughey in “Killer Joe”

Fried chicken, beer, monster trucks, a trailer home, a hired killer, a crazy family and numerous other white trash elements provide the ambiance for the tense, violent, darkly comic, movie version of Tracy Letts’ play “Killer Joe.”  The film has been directed by William Friedkin (“The French Connection” 1971, “The Exorcist” 1973, “To Live and Die in LA” 1985).  Friedkin sure could use a hit and I think, after many years, he has one here, albeit on a smaller scale than some of his past films.

“Killer Joe” is that rare example of the movie version exceeding the play.  I saw the play many years ago.  It starred Scott Glenn and Michelle Williams.  They were fine, but “Killer Joe” the movie, has a killer cast (sorry, couldn’t resist) in Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church and Gina Gershon.  The story, which in the theatre all took place in the living room of a trailer home, has been nicely opened up with the proceedings taking place in many locations, all of which contribute to the atmosphere of the piece.

“Brilliant Love” at 2010 Tribeca Film Festival

Tribeca Film Festival 2010 April 21 - May 2

From England, “Brilliant Love,” is a narrative about an amateur photographer, Manchester, whose erotic photographs of his girlfriend, Noon, catapult him into success in the world of modern art.  However Noon does not learn that she is the subject of Manchester’s first gallery show until she arrives at the event. Talk about an awkward moment.

“Brilliant Love” is about sexuality and is very frank in its depiction of it.  Unlike many American films that want to be about sexuality but ultimately only go the length of their R-rated leashes, “Brilliant Love” is refreshing in its depiction of the frankness and playfulness of its two main characters.  Should the film ever be released in this country it will no doubt have to undergo MPAA mandated cuts (which would hurt it) or go out unrated (which would limit its audience).