James Caan stars in this beautifully photographed low budget thriller that has to be one of the most artistic and carefully crafted movies I have ever seen in the low budget realms.
Working like a genre remake of Amelie, we are introduced to handyman Leonard Grey (James Caan) who has lived and worked in Jericho Mansions for what seems like eternity. He gives us the skinny on the building’s residents before a murder occurs.
The film then recounts the last few days leading up to the murder, as we learn what was going on with each tenant and how they fit into the mystery surrounding Leonard’s life.
Not content with acquiring an excellent cast including Genevieve Bujold and Jennifer Tilly, the film then outdoes itself, thanks to its vibrant use of colour and its well handled CG, which for a low budget art pic is exceptionally well done. You know it’s CG but it doesn’t ever look cheap.
The film is an absolute joy to look at in terms of aesthetics, but despite some good performances and some very nice shots of Tilly in her evening wear, the story and the pacing do prevent this from being a low budget revelation.
OVERALL SUMMARY
This is available in the UK from bargain label ILC and for three quid (which is cheaper than a new release rental at Blockbuster) you could do far worse.
