That's a Mighty Fine Coat

Rating: 8/10 (2 April 2005)

Greetings again from the darkness. Very loyal adaptation of the graphic novels of Frank Miller, who also receives directing credit and is seen in the movie as a priest. The driving force behind the movie is the always fascinating Robert Rodriguez ("Once Upon a Time In Mexico"). Legend has it that the opening scene with Josh Hartnett and Marley Shelton was filmed by Rodriguez and delivered as a gift to Miller in an effort to gain the writer's approval to make this film. What we see here is the total Rodriguez vision.
The incredibly deep cast jumps in with both feet and we do get the real feel of the graphic novels (don't call them comic books!). Rodriguez uses color sparingly to prevent the ad nauseum view of blood and to capitalize on the always night, always rainy scenes. The splashes of color are very dramatic and are usually red (blood, sheets, cars) with a few exceptions, such as the crystal blue eyes of Alexis Bledel ("Tuck Everlasting" "Gilmore Girls").
A few of the many characters really stand out. Mickey Rourke, Benecio del Toro and Brittany Murphy all nail their characters and it is always a pleasure to watch Michael Madsen pull off another twisted character. The weaker links are Jessica Alba (yeah, I know, who cares if she can't act) and Rosario Dawson. Bruce Willis and Powers Boothe are fine in their roles, but the most delightful character is Miho played by stoic Chanel model Devon Aoki (daughter of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki). Not sure how much Elijah Wood got paid, but it had to be the easiest money he ever made. My biggest complaint with the film is the miscasting of Clive Owen as Dwight.
Overall, Rodriguez delivers another signature, unique film with great characters, music and cars. He has such a visual style that it is always an education to watch his films. Doesn't hurt to have his best bud, QT, listed a guest director!