'Blow': in the tradition of other organized crime films...

Rating: Null/10 (19 August 2001)

Blow (2001) Starring: Johnny Depp, Franka Potente, Paul Reubens and Penelope Cruz. Directed by: Ted Demme
In Ted Demme's , `Blow', he seems to want to prove himself as a student of contemporary cinema. In opening the film with cinematic styles from the likes of past gangster master directors such as Martin Scorcese, he creates a little film that focuses itself on the life of famed cocaine dealer George Jung. Jung is played with tremendous brute force by one of today's screen legends, Johnny Depp. Depp has proved his acting capabilities by starring in many diverse and interesting roles. And his portrayal of Jung can be another great addition to his list of interesting characters. His range of diverse characters portrayed in the past brings to this role a fresh take on such a sentimental yet confused criminal. As aforementioned, the film revolves around the cocaine cartel of the 70's surrounding Jung's many ties to foreign and domestic cocaine trafficking. Demme displays his flair for filmmaking by borrowing visuals and intensity from the likes of Scorcese and his rock filled films for example. From this film's opening 1970's Americana intro to a great 70's tune featured in almost every Scorcese flick, to the lush 70's visuals featuring deep characters and intense confrontational scenes  Demme knows how to capture the mood. Yet, the problem is retaining that intense mood throughout the film. The movie paces itself quite quickly, yet seems to move so fast that Demme cannot keep up with the proper progression of the film. Characters are introduced, drop out, and then reappear. Leaving the audience wondering why we forgot about them in the first place. One great aspect is the film's supporting cast including Paul Reubens (a.k.a. Pee-Wee Herman) as a flamboyant hair-stylist, Ray Liotta as Depp's caring father, and a great stint from Rachel Griffiths as Depp's maniacal mother. This cast helps keep the film moving quite nicely as the film seems to jump from theme to theme. The film opens up with George Jung's first brush into cocaine amateur territory. Then, he expands into the eastern coast from California, making it so big that he has an empire all to himself. Then, it switches to a family values film as Depp tries to balance his married life, his child and his colossal empire. Throughout all this the audience is forced to deal with many scenarios such as frequent brushes with the law, deaths, and of course, all the betrayals criminals go through. This is where we exposed to Penelope Cruz's role as a vivacious and attractive cocaine addict who basically initiates Jung's demise. Usually drug movies of the past decades are stylish and exuberant. This characteristic need not apply for this film. Instead, Demme lets the actors act and really only delivers a simple little well made film. My only problem is that there could have been so much more done with the film. The potential for an excellent film was there, both intellectually and in a cinematic sense. For example, I had trouble establishing the motive for the sudden shifts in the story between the family values segments and the cartel segments. It is safe to say that `Blow' is a well made film that contained some great performances, yet, the film suffered in terms of its wanting to satisfy all demographics of the audience. The film seemed to not be content with only being a drug movie', but it wanted to explore other realms of emotions such as love, betrayal and family. I must admit I have not read the book in which it is based on, but I would have enjoyed simply one area of focus within the film. In conclusion, Depp portrays Jung with all the sentiment and flamboyance necessary. Yet, it seems as if the filmaker wanted us to sympathize with this character as if he was a hero of some sort. He was not, and even though he tries to be a great father to his daughter, and use her as his motive for selling drugs  this man is evil. He is breaking the law, no matter how sentimental and sweet the character is  he is a criminal. The audience is not that foolish, yet the director seems to think so. Therefore resulting in the film's greatest weakness, which proves to be a detriment to an otherwise good film.
Giancarlo's rating: **1/2 (out of four)