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Wild Orchid (1989)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
7/07, 10/12
7/07:
Building up my expectations to a high level because of 9½ Weeks, Wild Orchid
has left me disappointed.
It's not Mickey Rourke's fault that the film failed, but it's rather the director's ineptitude which led to the demise
that seems to be all about sex and no passion. Carré Otis is lifeless, and Jacqueline Bisset is unbearable.
Neither can act well enough to generate any sexual energy.
Mickey Rourke shows some flashes of brilliance, but his talent is largely wasted. There's not enough mysteriousness
surrounding his character. The chemistry between him and Carré Otis, who was his wife at the time, is nil.
All in all, I can see Kim Basinger pushing Carré Otis off and telling her, "Let me show you how it is done, you
inexperienced twit."
10/12:
Seeing Wild Orchid again, my opinion is now improved.
It's clear that Mickey Rourke was in a different league. The way he acted, the way he moved, the way he expressed himself, and
the way he talked are prime examples of The Method school of acting. Simply put, Mickey Rourke is perfect for the role of
James Wheeler.
Of course, Zalman King tries hard to recapture the magic of 9½ Weeks and somewhat
succeeds at it. But he had it down pat in Two Moon Junction that was made one year
prior to Wild Orchid. Although not the director, his vision was also realized in
Lake Consequence with Billy Zane and Joan Severance which came four years afterwards.
Zalman King's films are basically about female's sexual awakening.
If James Wheeler, as emotionally insecure as he is, sees a woman passing his series of tests, then he'll find it easy
to open himself up more to her. At the end, he decides to release it all. While this is going on, the differences between
Jacqueline Bisset's and Carré Otis' characters become noticeable. Now, I'm a big proponent of the axiom: "less is more."
Hence, the sex scene at the end is superfluous, and Zalman King should've forgone it.
All in all, Wild Orchid is an interesting Zalman King vehicle with a great Mickey Rourke performance.