The Matador
Well, it seems I am about two years late in viewing this movie, but better late than never...
My mom recommended this to me (which should have been an immediate red flag). She thought I would like it, because it's "my kind of movie". After watching it, I suppose she considered it would be my type (which I think in her mind means "artsy") because of the occasional impressive shot and the giant colorful font that popped on the screen whenever Pierce Brosnan was in a new city. Now, I can see why Pierce was nominated for a Golden Globe and then snubbed at the Oscars, because how many times have we seen a killer/assassin/mobster/hitman/tough guy/whatever learn the error of their ways? Hey kids, don't kill people, because you'll live a friendless existence that involves lots of meaningless sex and copious amounts of alcohol!
Honestly, it's not as though there was room for the movie to be better. It lived up to it's potential. The movie had a clear beginning and middle, and the start of an end (I really like how they tied all of them together), but there was no ending to the end. I was not at all satisfied. The whole thing was predictable and besides getting to see James Bond jump around in a cheer leader costume, I was bored. That's another thing... Was he gay? Was there some weird joke I was missing? It seemed throughout that movie that he was over-compensating by sleeping with all these teenage girls, but since they never explained it, I'm going to assume I read too much into the painted toe nails... And how aroused he got when the male bartender shook his margarita. (Pierce never was one for stirred, was he? Alright, bad Bond joke.) I was really surprised to learn that the Writer/Director, Richard Shepard, also write and directed "The Hunting Party", which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm definitely impressed by his growth as a filmmaker over the course of two years. On an acting note...
Dear Greg Kinnear... I enjoy your work, but I don't think I've seen you play anything other than the loser guy (ex, "Little Miss Sunshine" & "Feast of Love"). Even in your best role ("As Good As It Gets") you played a sad sack (you expanded a little with the gay element, though. Kudos.)
The best part of this movie was by far Hope Davis. Her subtle comedy was beyond hysterical and it was a shame she was only featured for about 30 minutes.
So, if for some reason you've been dying to see "The Matador" (although I'm sure you would have already), then I guess give it a try. It you're like me and could give a damn whether or not you see it, don't waste your time. It's 3/4 of a dramedy you can afford to miss.
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3 comments:
I think we're supposed to wonder if he's gay...and that's it. Sometimes not knowing everything exactly about them makes a character more interesting. Shades of gray, and all...
"cheer leader costume"
Most cross-dressers are heterosexual males. Haven't you read the Kinsey report?
I think it's worth noting that this was one of Brosnan's first big post-Bond movies, and that he was a big part of it getting made, I believe. Pretty cool way to clean your palette, if you ask me.
Also, for Kinnear in superstar mode, see MysteryMen. Horrible movie, great acting.
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