Product: To Die For (1995)
Rating: 5.0
KIDMAN IS "TO DIE FOR" IN THIS BLOOD-CHILLING FILM...
InTo Die ForNicole Kidman delivers a magnificent, realistic performance as Suzanne Stone, a devious New Hampshire housewife who dreams of becoming the top TV personality in the world. As a beautiful, manipulative weather girl with a modicum of talent for the job, she uses her feminine wiles to reach her dreams of fame and glory. Unfortunately, she's also greedy and grasping, so she doesn't stop there.Although I think this is a spoiler, other reviews, including Amazon's editorial review, have already mentioned that when her husband gets in the way of her plans, she tricks some gullible teenagers into murdering him. Joaquin Phoenix is superb in the role of the teen boy who is so infatuated with her he will do anything for her. Her sexual escapades with him in front of the other kids are shocking.When I viewed this film it seemed like a drama/thriller with deadly consequences to me, so I was surprised to read that it's supposed to be a dark comedy. I generally enjoy satire and dark comedy, but I saw nothing funny about this movie. If, indeed, it's a dark comedy, then it's pitch black, IMO.I did find the cold, hard, nonchalant attitude of the character portrayed by Kidman to be amusing at times--in a shake-your-head-in-bewilderment kind of way. That made me wonder how a person could ever become so calculating. She seemed to lack a conscience, so perhaps that explains it.The only thing remotely comical inTo Die Foris Suzanne Stone's grandiose opinion of herself.I should have had a clue that it was a satire when I read the name of the brilliant director Gus Van Sant on the credits; he's known for that type of movie and I think he's one of the most outstanding directors in Hollywood.But no matter what they call this well-crafted, well-acted movie, Van Sant drew the best from all the actors. Matt Dillon was excellent in the role of the faithful husband, Joaquin Phoenix perfect in the part of the obsessed teenager and Kidman deserved the 1995 Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Leading Role.This is a gripping, blood-chilling, fact-based movie, with so many twists and turns it will make your head spin. The surprise, satisfying ending is to die for!Five stars all the way! I recommend it for adults.