On H List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)


The Hot Spot (1990)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 10/15

HotSpot
10/15: Directed by Dennis Hopper, The Hot Spot is a rare gem in the neo-noir category.

It reminds me of Oliver Stone's U Turn but better. There are a lot of elements that make it a throwback to the film noir era. Don Johnson's character is the perfect Philip Marlowe type only that he isn't a private dick.

It's Virginia Madsen who single-handedly steals the show by playing the manipulative femme fatale through Dolly Harshaw. She bares it all and is quite natural for her character. On the other hand, Jennifer Connelly's Gloria Harper is the perfect antithesis of her.

Both of the female characters are what makes the film a compelling watch because Harry Madox is stuck in the middle between good and evil. He wants to make a change for good but is prevented by the allure of Dolly Harshaw. In fact, Harry and Dolly seem to be a match made in heaven, so I was rooting for them to be together in spite of her badness. By the way, the film was mostly shot on location in Texas, and the beautiful swimming pool scenes were at Hamilton Pool Preserve which is located west of Austin.

All in all, The Hot Spot, although it can be a bit shorter, is a terrific, stylish neo-noir with possibly the best performance of Virginia Madsen's career.