On W List of Movie Reviews
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White Sands (1992)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
4/07, 7/11, 5/24
4/07:
Roger Donaldson crafts a taut neo-noir entitled White Sands which has plenty of tension.
He also keeps the story appealing enough for me to follow while generating excellent performances from
the all-star cast. Willem Dafoe shines along with Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and they steal some of the scenes
when together. Mickey Rourke is fun to watch. Samuel L. Jackson makes an appearance but doesn't show enough ability
to be the actor that we know him as.
I love the ending when Samuel L. Jackson was running with nothing in his briefcase across the hills of
White Sands which is a unique national park located in Southern New Mexico.
All in all, I wonder what the results would've been if White Sands was filmed in black and white instead.
7/11:
White Sands is an underrated neo-noir.
It's the performances that make the movie work. The mystery has lots of ceaseless twists and turns, especially the
ending. Throughout, the cinematography is resplendent.
Willem Dafoe has always been an exceptional actor, and it's nice to see him in a leading role here. Stealing the show at
times is Mickey Rourke who regains his top form after suffering a couple of disasters through
Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man and
Wild Orchid. I love Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio's presence as she gives the picture
a much needed balance by playing the anti-femme fatale. Samuel L. Jackson has a small part, but M. Emmet Walsh's
minimal involvement is disappointing because he can make things more interesting.
All in all, White Sands is a can't-miss.
5/24:
White Sands is the best film Roger Donaldson has ever directed.
Everything works: the neo-noir style, the presence of A-list thespians, the location shots of New Mexico, and
the twists and turns. Willem Dafoe should be credited the most for getting the film off to a strong start. I say his
character took on a huge risk by pretending to be Bob Spenser because he truly didn't know what he was getting into. Then,
having Mickey Rourke, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Samuel L. Jackson on board is the more the merrier. Willem Dafoe
and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio have extremely strong chemistry.
All in all, I can watch White Sands over and over and never be tired of it.