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Exit in Red (1996)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 6/15

ExitRed
6/15: Exit in Red is a stylish neo-noir that's better than most potboilers of the 40's.

It's the camera work and the use of diagonal lines, voice-over narration, flashbacks, backlighting, dialogue, and setting that highlight the essential traits of such genre. The nonlinear story, which involves double crosses and a femme fatale, help the film push the envelope deeper into the noir territory.

Hence, it's been an excellent job by Yurek Bogayevicz, an unknown Polish director who previously did two films but not much afterwards. I wonder if he thought about shooting the picture in black and white because it could look better this way. Regardless, Yurek should be commended for not letting the thespians bare themselves because he allows the intricate story to do most of the work.

However, there are several problems. The first is the deus ex machina when the psychologist was held at the police station to be interrogated about a murder. It's just hard to believe. Second, Carré Otis seems miscast and isn't correctly utilized as the lawyer. I would've liked to see more strength from her character. Third, Anthony Michael Hall dressing like a sheep (or an alpaca) is too ridiculous. There's no need for it.

Mickey Rourke is good playing the psychologist and is careful about how much he'll reveal himself. Annabel Schofield sells the twist well because I didn't see it coming until I started to connect the gun, the cash touched by Ed who also didn't take a long look at the deceased in the tub, and Nick's strange out-of-the-blue appearance. Speaking of Nick, Anthony Michael Hall surprises me by giving a believable "bad guy" performance. What I like is Ericson Core, the cinematographer, taking advantage of various camera techniques to bring the most out of Anthony Michael Hall's face to highlight his character's villainy.

All in all, it's clear that Yurek Bogayevicz had done his homework because Exit in Red is an underrated neo-noir thriller that's comparable with the films noirs of the 40's.