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Western Carolinian Volume 64 (65) Number 11

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  • November 3,1999 GET A LIFE WESTERN CAROLINIAN Terence Stamps Out Crime in The Limey' ft ppFi»j|fc™^| HIJMm. 1' - WmSsm *■■ . ?wMf ■ # j m Jm\ B PBP » ' ft ^^^ 7"fte sleaze of LA photo courtesy of Artisan Entertainment Peter Fonda stars as record producer Valentine in Soderbergh 's "The Limey." by Alex Esmon Features Editor ATLANTA - Terence Stamp is one bad dude. In 1967, Stamp portrayed a low-end- of-the-spectrum hood in Ken Loach's cult classic "Poor Cow." Now, 30 years later, That same character, Wilson, storms back onto screen in Steven Soderbergh's latest crime/comedy "The Limey." The result is a thriller, tinged with comedy, but doused with a sense of introspection. Soderbergh, who wowed audiences last year with his crime-comedy "Out of Sight," has once again made use of perhaps the most popular character to inhabit crime films: the bad guy anti-hero. This is the character who kills God- knows-how-many people but because they're bad, we root for him to succeed in his quest. This character usually also has some sort of conflict with those he's bringing his wrath upon. This is no different in "The Limey." Wilson, a career criminal with little or no remorse has traveled from his home in Great Britain to discover the cause of his daughter's death. As the story unfolds, Wilson is taken deep into the realm of L.A. crime and the trappings of the record industry. When Wilson comes walking into view in the first scene, it's understood that this guy is in control. Wilson embodies the classic character of the scourge, a cathartic presence sent to purge evil from the scene. Peter Fonda stars as the sleaze monger Valentine, a man who banks on the psychedelic image of his youth to sell records So, What's a Limey? "Limey" is a British slang term used to denote a British male. The term originates from a time when British sailors would consume large amounts lime juice in an attempt to fend off scurvy on voyages. and bribe young women into believing in his ability to 'spot the real talent.' As it happens, Wilson's daughter was sharing an abode with Valentine at the time of her death. The film then becomes one of a father's quest to understand his daughters death and perhaps come to terms with his inability to be the father he wanted to be. "The Limey" is a film about relationships and acceptance of flaws. It's also a film about those who can get the job done and those who can't. "The Limey" is the best crime film of the year and without a doubt belongs on any top ten lists for best film of the year, regardless of genre. The script, written by Lem Dobbs, is both hilarious and biting. The title itself is a slang British term used to denote someone of British heritage. The discrepancies between the slang terms used by Wilson and those used by every other character becomes a running joke throughout the film. Fans of "Out of Sight" will also recognize a familiar face and a familiar car in "The Limey." Luis Guzman, who starred as Chino in "Out of Sight" here * portrays Eddie, Wilson's only friend in L.A. and a man who was good friends with Wilson's daughter. Pay close attention to the car Guzman drives in the film, as well. It bears a striking resemblance to one seen in "Out of Sight," driven by Ving Rhames's character. Perhaps the most interesting effect in the film is the use of flashback through "Poor Cow" film footage. At intervals dur ing the film, the scene will flack back to the previous film as, a way of making us more familiar with the current state of Wilson and his relationship with his estranged daughter. The effect, especially in the film's last scene, adds a haunting touch to an already poignant film. While "The Limey" marks a return to the leading role for Terence Stamp, another actor also enjoys a minor resurgence. Barry Newman, who many will remember from the 1970 film "Vanishing Point" stars as Avery, Valentine's head of security. Newman even dons the same amber vision shades he wore in "Vanishing Point." This is another point when Soderbergh enjoys flexing his muscles in homage to the films and film stars of the past. Fonda stars in his second leading role since his comeback began two years ago with "Ulee's Gold." Fonda's character, Valentine, is everything Ulee Jackson wasn't, namely unethical, untruthful and shallow. Both leads, Fonda and Stamp, are al ready on the short list for this year's best actor Oscar. Finally, for those of you who enjoy the soundtrack of a film more than anything else, "The Limey" offers an eclectic mix of 60s mod music and instrumental moody masterpieces. Any film which begins with an aging criminal walking in slow motion with a cigarette dangling from his mouth §) The Limey Directed by Steven Soderbergh Starring: Terrance Stamp Peter Fonda Barry Newman Rated R for Violence and Language through the streets of L.A. to the strains of The Who's "The Seeker," is a must for any movie or music fan. Yes, Terence Stamp is one bad dude. But this poor cow character Wilson is better than anyone else who happens to saunter across the screen for the entire 90 minute run of the film. "The Limey" is showing only in select cities. tanning salon ~/C££Pm*l I located across from post office beside cullowee quick-stop
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