The True "Bonfire of the Vanities"

Rating: 9/10 (19 October 2019)

I just watched this film for the probably 12th time. I bought it right after I first saw it on HBO, I think, and have enjoyed it ever since. It is everything the Bonfire of the Vanities wasn't, all the more shame due to the cast and source novel, not to mention, the marketing budget. They don't make them like this anymore; the script is so smart, the editing and pacing are perfect, and, although the reveal at the end is a great reveal on the first viewing, the journey then becomes the main thing. Even so-called "good" or award winning films of today usually pale in comparison, esp when everything is added together (and the southern accents are usually much worse than these).
This is the best I've seen Keanu Reeves act. Granted, they keep his lines short and sparse, as is usually done for him, but the script has been tailored to his acting style and it works. He does much more than grunt or cast looks, as he is limited to in films such as Wick or even The Matrix. What he does have is a marvelous physical presence (and I don't mean looks, although he is young and pretty here), which is used to its full extent in this film. I don't really spend much time wondering what a real actor would have added to this movie. Likewise, this part and the lines are just up the alley of Al Pacino. He was into his irritating and cliched "acting like Pacino acting" by this time, but he is less about being Pacino than being in character here, so easily his best performance of these years. I imagine some of his excellent speeches are lifted from the novel, but the adaptation works so so well, and he benefits from such a smart script. His small stature is used, as his lifts are noticed by Reeves early on ("they never see me coming") and the camera never tries to hide his diminutive size. But Pacino knows how to be a presence, as he does so well here.
This was Charlize Theron's breakout film. She does a very credible job and you can see the actress who went on to play a role like Monster. She never falls into the horror actress trap of overacting and is perfect for the part of a naive, small town girl thrown into the deep end of NYC. This is Connie Neilsen's first film, and she is spectacular, although she mostly plays the sexy redhead, but the charisma that fueled Gladiator comes through here. I love Tamara Tunie (Tony winner), who has the meatiest role among the "wives". This film is jam packed with acting talent and all are used well. The only issues are the southern accents of Reeves and Theron, but they aren't horrid and better than what you see today. Easily forgiven.
My old DVD has the original sculpture with the people (later turned into waves after a lawsuit), but my Blu-Ray doesn't and I think it takes quite a bit away from the impact of Pacino's office. The original sculpture returns near the end, so the intent is kept, if not delayed. My copy doesn't have the WTC Twin Towers, which were removed for TV, shortly after 9/11, even though it is the theatrical release. The power and the glory of the NYC skyline, as used in this film, sorely needs them. It's all about iconic power.
I am not into horror films, per se, but this is not really a horror film, nor really a thriller, nor just a drama. It is rich with sub-plots, but never gets lost in them, nor are any dead ends. It is supernatural, but otherwise is genre defying. It suggests horror and violence more than it shows it (restraint!). I think the filmmakers wanted the audience to be more uncomfortable than shocked. If you love film, this is a must for your library. Not iconic, over the top great, but enjoyable, very watchable, excellent filmmaking. Glad the reviews are trending up; none were too kind on its release. One of the most underrated films ever.