Product: The Million Dollar Hotel (2000)
Rating: 5.0
A Little Crazy, But Very Sweet
I loved this DVD. Million Dollar Hotel is an art film. One can't come to this movie with James Bond expectations. The film is jam-packed with stars. Jeremy Davies is breathtaking as Tom-Tom. He literally dances his part with springs and leaps substituting for steps, and gestures borrowed from a Japanese Kabuki play. His portrayal of a mentally-challenged person is pure cinematic poetry. The love story is very simple, very pure, very odd, but totally engaging. Mel Gibson as the ex-freak who used to have a hand growing out of his back must have wanted to work with Wim Wenders. We lose much of the humor we usually get from his performances. Amanda Plummer and Bud Cort as two of the residents of Million Dollar Hotel shine. Plummer is particularly touching as she goes up to the millionaire father of the dead man and introduces herself as his fiance by throwing her arms around him and saying, "Dad!" Jimmy Smits was on holiday in the movie as Geronimo, the artist who paints in tar and tries to scam the art world. Wenders' stately style gives a sense of poetry to the mentally ill. The film might seem to drag a bit. Davies' performance and the bizarre editing cuts propel the film. Bono's soundtrack blends well. If you are looking for something a bit different, discover this gem.