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Review by Jack Foley |
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DVD FEATURES: 'The Last Journey': The Making of Thelma and Louise; Original
promotional featurette; 'Over The Edge' (Multi-angle vignette) storyboards,
rare photos and film footage; 'Part Of Me, Part Of You' music video; eight
deleted scenes; Alternative ending with commentary; Photo gallery; Trailers
and TV spots.
A TIMELY release for Ridley Scott's stylish road movie, coming in the
same week that as the cinema release of the ultra-controversial French flick
Baise-Moi, about two vengeance seeking
women who declare war on the male of the species after one of them is raped.
But worthwhile, nonetheless, to see how, when done properly, the tale can
be effectively told.
Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon star as the Thelma and Louise of the title,
two bored women who escape for a weekend away from their humdrum existence
only to find themselves in more trouble than they could possibly imagine.
The catalyst for their journey of self-discovery comes in the form of a drunken
redneck who attempts to rape Thelma outside a bar, only to be shot and killed
by Louise.
Pursued by Harvey Keitel's sympathetic cop, Thelma and Louise break for the
border, picking up Brad Pitt's sweet-talking robber along the way, and robbing
a convenience store, shooting up a leering driver's truck, and locking a traffic
cop in the boot of his own vehicle for good measure.
The Grand Canyon-based finale is one of the most memorable and poignant in
recent cinema history; and one which has often been parodied since. Yet it
produced a powerful end to a powerful movie and formed another impressive
chapter in Scott's CV.
The director,
well known for his visual flair, again makes use of some spectacular locations
to create a taut, thoughtful and frequently controversial road movie which
is driven by some powerhouse performances - even if some of the male characters
occasionally feel a little one-dimensional.
Holding it together is the sublime pairing of Sarandon's feisty Louise and
Davis's foolish Thelma, while Keitel is excellent as the cop desperate to
help them out of their worsening situation. The likes of Pitt (in an early
role) and Michael Madsen, as a mysterious boyfriend, also make memorable contributions.
An enduring favourite, and a worthy addition to anyone's DVD collection, the
new release of the movie boasts an informative making of documentary featuring
interviews with almost all of the cast and crew except Keitel (Pitt even pops
up briefly), along with eight deleted scenes and an electronic press kit.
Fans of the movie can be sure of a near-perfect night's viewing.
