Something Wild (The Criterion Collection) (1986)

An interesting choice for the Criterion label, I have hoped desperately that Jonathan Demme's 1986 madcap road picture "Something Wild" would get a deserving upgrade from its rather drab earlier DVD presentation. I actually went to a theater and saw this film twice and it is easily one of my favorite Demme pictures. With his eclectic resume, Demme will perhaps always be known best for "The Silence of the Lambs" but his legacy has several terrific screwball comedies (Married to the Mob) and understated masterpieces (Melvin and Howard) prior to him being anointed an Academy Award winner. "Something Wild" fits comfortably into the screwball comedy category--but what makes it so unorthodox and refreshing is that it has both heart and edge. A lot has changed since 1986. Back then, Jeff Daniels was still a leading man as opposed to a character actor. Melanie Griffith was sexy, surprising, and a blossoming talent. And a relatively unknown Ray Liotta was trying to break into a big screen career after years on television. These three leads turned in unexpectedly strong performances and ALL were nominated for Golden Globe awards.

Styled after silent screen star Louise Brooks, Griffith vibrantly portrays Lulu (at least, that's the name she calls herself). Wild, aggressive, and sexually uninhibited, Lulu crosses paths with Daniels' uptight businessman. Challenged by the rebellious free spirit, Daniels' mild mannered existence is all but hijacked by adventure as the unlikely duo take to the road. A culture clash and wacky hilarity ensue--but then the picture softens as a real persona emerges from beneath the Lulu alter ego. As tentative romance and understanding bubble to the surface when the couple reach Griffith's home town, a further complication arises in the character of her violent ex-con ex-husband (that's one too many exes to sit comfortably with me--it's Liotta and you know he's trouble!). A real dangerous undertone pervades the final acts of the film--and the movie shifts again for its final transition. Going from ribald to heartfelt to thrilling, "Something Wild" crosses genre boundaries even as it's a quintessential romantic comedy.

This is Daniels at his most appealing--this with "The Purple Rose of Cairo" remind you how dashing he could be. Griffith is so strong. She really has to embody a tremendous character arc and she does so with precision. But the break-out star has to be Liotta, magnetic and absolutely chilling. I think it's one of the most undervalued supporting performance of that era! The film also boast a smart screenplay and a distinguished soundtrack. Not only do I think that the film holds up well to the nostalgia factor, I think it's primed to be discovered anew.

However, it is with much regret that I report that the usually impressive Criterion treatment seems a tad lackluster. The film receives a new, and much needed, restored digital transfer (with a DTS-HD Master Audio Soundtrack for Blu-ray). The extras? Not much. The DVDs have only new interviews with the writer and Demme and the film's trailer. Really? What's up with that? The movie is only 25 years old, there has to be supplemental material to include and Demme is still cranking out A-list projects. So my happiness at the Criterion treatment is short-lived with a big fat zero in special features. Great movie, glad it's re-mastered, but still disappointed! KGHarris, 2/11.

I thought Demme walked on water after seeing this movie (and its follow-ups, Married to the Mob and Silence of the Lambs). I love the layers of texture to this movie--there's always some set decoration I never noticed before, and the performances he wrings out of his stable of actors is great. This movie defined "alternative" when it was released, and deftly pulled off the seemingly impossible feat of starting out screwball comedy and turning violent halfway thru without losing its voice. All three leads have never done better than they did here (okay, maybe Liotta in Goodfellas). So why is SW subjected to the basement of video VHS? This movie made tons of critics top 10 lists for the Eighties (sadly not much of a challenge, but still...) and yet can't even get a DVD date to prom. Wild...

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I remember seeing this waaaay back when it was in theaters. One of those incredibly under-rated cinematic gems. What I liked most about it was the transition from a seemingly lighthearted Indie-ish goofball romantic comedy, to dead on noir. I caught this recently on a High-Def channel on cable. All I can say is WOW ! It was like I was seeing it for the first time, Déjà vu all over again. This film deserves a Blu-ray release, preferably packed with extra features, commentaries etc.

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this film knocks me out every time I see it. the acting is great and the story so different and original. Jonathon Demme really knew his stuff. Generally an all round brilliant effort and an unlauded gem in the opinion of yours truly.

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This is a great twist on the traditional love story. Demme takes you on a 'wild' ride. Inspires to get priorities correct in life. An interesting evening for two: somthing for the guys someone who get over their head, something for the girls an untraditional love story that touches the heart. Let's hope that not every couple starts out like this. Great cast with Griffith, Daniels, Liotta (in a superb and very scary performance).

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