Revenge (1990)
When compared to the rest of Tony Scott’s filmography,
Revenge is a barely a blip. It is a much smaller film than Top Gun,
yet it was shot with artistic flair. People seem to dislike the movie, but I
think it shows how gifted Scott can be as a director…before the MTV quick-shot,
rapid-editing formula took him away (and don’t get me wrong, some of those
films are good). Although there are cliches taken from previous romance/revenge
thrillers, everything is well-made. With some scenes filmed in Mexico, Jeffrey
Kimball’s cinematography allows for beautiful, sweeping images of the Mexican
terrain to take focus on the screen. Kevin Costner is very likable, and you can
believe in his love with Madeleine Stowe. Their actions are questionable…which
is the premise of the movie, but you believe that they truly love each other.
The sex scenes are well-made. Apparently, Scott did not have his actors rehearse
beforehand. He just set up the cameras and told them to improvise. That helps
with the authenticity of these scenes. Just prepare for things to get…hot! The
film’s script is cliched and not very good when it comes to dialogue, so it is
a great thing the movie has competent actors and a likewise competent director.
Jim Harrison, the credited screenwriter, originally had
his work published as a novella in 1979. It spent many years languishing in a horrid
development pit. John Huston was originally attached to direct with Jack Nicholson
as the lead. Huston then was supposed to direct with Costner but when they met,
Huston was reportedly unimpressed with the actor. The movie did find funds due
to Costner’s starpower. He did originally intend to direct himself because it was
a smaller movie despite universal themes. Instead, Tony Scott came aboard the
project. He was able to use his action expertise from Top Gun to create
the action scenes here. It’s no secret where those Costner plane scenes come
from, huh? The action is skillfully combined with a more artistic flair to
create some emotional, memorable scenes. I also liked Jack Nitschze’s score. He
helped toe the line between tension and romance. The love theme is incredible!
This movie centers on a man named Michael “Jay”
Cochran (Kevin Costner) who spent 12 years in the Navy. Leaving his pilot
career behind, he decides to go to Mexico for vacation. He visits his friend Tiburon
Mendez, also known as Tibey (Anthony Quinn). Tibey is a powerful businessman
who owns his own empire and is surrounded by shady people. Jay does not want to
get involved with the business and is only there as a friend (as he saved Tibey
on a past hunting trip)…until he meets Tibey’s incredibly sexy wife, Miryea
(Madeleine Stowe). If you do not believe in love at first sight then turn away,
because these two did. Did they really think that Tibey would not find out?
They will learn how ruthless he can be when he leaves Jay for dead and sends Miryea
to a whorehouse. Jay might not be dead…and might be out for revenge.
Kevin Costner is very likable actor that helps his
character…who can make some incredibly dumb decisions. His sexual energy is off
the charts with Madeleine Stowe, which makes the film an effective erotic
thriller. As for Stowe herself, she was not given much other than to play the
typical “damsel in distress” role. She did it well at least. Anthony Quinn gave
one of his finest performances in ages. He is a depraved, calculated killer and
every time he was onscreen, I had the chills. You can also find John Leguizamo
in one of his earliest film roles.
Revenge is pulpy, erotic,
action-packed, and fun. I was surprised how emotional the film made me. It
seems like I liked this smaller film better than most. There are some issues. I
kept asking myself, “how can I care for these characters with less moral
values?” I also found Stowe’s character to be built upon the “damsel in
distress” cliches. Still, I was enamored by the end. I believed in their love. A
love meant to end in tragedy.
My Grade: B+
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