The Quickie (2001)

I bought it for the music

I'm a fan of composer Giya Kancheli, so I was curious to see the film and hear the score. It's very well done, even if there is less to hear by Kancheli than one might expect. (There were also many good songs by the Tiger Lilies.) For me the best parts were Kancheli's juxtaposition of high chirping sounds in the score against the sounds of ringing phones in the film. These moments were worth the price of the dvd. May 24, 2007

AN INTRIGUING CONCEPT, BADLY EXECUTED

I've read thru the laudatory reviews below, and I hate to be the funny-colored "pickle" in the punchbowl, but I have to say that this movie is a complete mess.

Many abstract elements, characters and sub-plots were intentionally written into the script to distract the viewer from discerning the film's major plot twist.

Unfortunately, the majority of these were poorly conceived, unnecessary and badly directed. Dean Stockwell's appearing/disappearing character & random narrative, and Lesley Ann Warren's failed efforts at a Russian accent, are also major distractions.

Midway through the film, when most of the designed distractions just haven't made sense, you realize you're being had, and the film's main "is-she-or-isn't-she" plot device becomes all too obvious long before a pseudo-revelatory, anti-climatic final scene.

The film never forms any type of cohesive narrative. A more accomplished writer would have eliminated the extraneous characters and sub-plots and focused on developing the relationship, and creating an escalating tension, between the two leads.

Also, the full-frame presentation of the DVD is distracting. It makes the film look like a cheap Fox Network TV-movie-of-the-week.

About the only positive thing I can write about this movie is that the cast sure looks great, as they all appear in formal evening attire for the majority of the film.

That sentiment triples for Ms. Warren. For someone born on August 16th, 1946 (according to IMDB), she looks absolutely FABULOUS. I could say that I wish I'll look that good when I get to that age, but I already look worse in my 40's! February 7, 2005

Wonderfully Interesting

This is an amazing little film with a ridiculous name. I can't help but think with better promotion and a better title, it would have had more play.

The story of a Russian Godfather is interesting in and of itself, but Bodrov, the Director, has given this piece a unique visual quality. It is eerie and compelling. The scene between Oleg and Michael as they play cards is stunning. The smoke from their cigars and the extreme close-ups of the actors truly bring you into this relationship that may not be what it appears.

The film is occasionally narrated by Michael who starts the tale and ends it. Makes you wonder exactly who Michael is in the scheme of the story. I'm being cryptic, but there is a lot here to enjoy and I don't want to ruin it.

The music is also just lovely. It has a creepy, ethereal quality that gives this a foreign feel that works perfectly.

The cast is just about perfect. Vladmir Mashkov (Oleg) should be a big star. I'm not sure why he isn't. He's handsome and charismatic. Jennifer Jason Leigh does a fine job as "the quickie" and Dean Stockwell plays Michael with his usual understated style and here it is right on the mark. Leslie Anne Warren plays Oleg's mother, an aging diva who still remains a diva.

This is nicely done. If you enjoy quirky films with a lot of atmosphere, try this one. I have watched it several times and it bears repeated watchings. Something new comes to me each time I see it. June 20, 2004

Haunting

Excellent movie which has the rare quality of being as moving upon successive viewings... Has a strange affinity in terms of the feeling it evokes to the classic "They Shoot Horses, Don't They"... The musical score is excellent both in itself and in the way it contributes to the portrayal of the characters involved. February 14, 2004

The Russian version of "the Godfather"

This is a Russian version of the Godfather, featuring Jennifer Jason Leigh as an exterminator who lives in a trailer who gets called to the Russian Mafia leader's home in Malibu to clean up the morning after a retirement party and gets drawn into more than she bargained for. It is entertaining, containing copious amount of sex and violence,as well as insights into the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and it is nice to know that the Russians can make an entertaining film. With its dramatic ending, it almost deserves 4 stars. September 1, 2003

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