Ivansxtc (2002)

A Brilliant Performance by Danny Huston/A Low Budget Masterpiece

Bernard Rose's masterwork, Ivansxtc., was unjustly overlooked on its modest theatrical release and it appears to be suffering the same fate on DVD. After hearing a few good things and purchasing a screener from the film's website (the only place to buy it at the time), I was stunned by the brutality and depth of the film. As someone who shies away from movies about "the industry" (since most are too inside, too glib, and far too full of themselves to offer anything of merit), I wasn't expecting such an explosive film. To be fair, Danny Huston's performance would catapult even a lesser film to the stratosphere, but Mr. Rose's script and direction perfectly match the performance. Although I was a fan of Mr. Rose's earlier work (Paper House, Candyman), nothing could have prepared for me the intelligent, wit and darkness that he brought to this film. For anyone who believes that 'quality will out', Ivanxtc. proves that axiom to be false....for in a just world, this film would have been recognized for the masterpiece it most certainly is. March 21, 2008

Lost little gem.

It's a shame this sharp little film has been overlooked and practically forgotten. Saw it in a small theatre in Los Angeles and was pleasantly surprised. At the time there was a long article in LA Weekly singing it's praises and shortly thereafter it languished in the purgatory between small venue and dvd release.

It's no wonder, seeing as that the title character (portrayed wonderfully by early career Danny Huston) was depicted as a CAA Agent (a power talent agency) with absolutely no values. Or rather, as he gathers some sense of moral self he is quickly degenerating and hedged out of position. The low-budget here actually feeds this slow dread and realisation by Ivan of a lost life.

It has been specualted CAA, naturally, did not like the depiction of one of it's top agents as a coke snorting, whore-hound. (SPOILER hereafter)And even less so that the agency basically could care less that he had passed away. In fact, there was barely a heartbeat following his demise before the wolves were packing over the talent roster he left behind.

Based on Tolstoy's novel, 'The Death of Ivan Ilyitch' this is a gritty, smart adaptation that should have been better heralded. But when you bite hands that powerful it's not a wonder where they place you.

I am sure Tolstoy himself would be smirking at the poetic irony.
November 29, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...