Very Sleazy But Fascinating, Involving Story

Rating: 7/10 (4 November 2005)

This is such a sleazy movie with such sleazy characters that I'm surprised I enjoy watching this sleazy film. Did I mention "sleazy?"
Maybe I just find it fascinating. I mean, how often do you see an actor you know (Christian Bale) drop mega-pounds and wind up playing 122-pound man who is literally skin-and-bones? His next film had him as a buffed-up Batman. Go figure. Actors are a strange lot.
This film is fascinating because of Bale and the involving storyline. You just HAVE to find out what this is all about, especially one strange character, once you start viewing. And, without giving anything away, the ending was outstanding, message-wise.
The bad news is the aforementioned sordidness, particularly exhibited by the scummiest actress of her generation, Jennifer Jason Leigh, who once again plays a foul-mouthed, low-morals character. At least she's consistent in her roles. Listening to her, the other profane characters and looking at the grotesque face and figure of the emaciated Bale, are not easy to take. Be forewarned. He ain't pretty to view. He has to be the poster boy for anorexia.
Yet, the film is still fascinating, well-photographed and certainly a unique story.