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The Bonfire of the VanitiesRating:
Release Date: 23 November, 1999 Retail Price: $9.98 OUR Price: $8.99 You SAVE: $0.99! Cast: Complete Cast (16 total) |
The Bonfire of the Vanities Reviews
A Delightful Romp Through the Cesspool of Racial Politics
Bonfire is a strange movie to experience. The movie is a satire of course, a simultaneously embellished and understated account of New York racial politics. Yet the inanity of its characters and situations lent the movie an air of bemused detachment. There's no immediacy to any of the calamity that befalls the main character. I'm left trying to root for him over his would-be oppressors, but I just can't really feel it. Sherman McCoy is supposed to be a sort of wayward son character, yet Hanks portrayal of him comes off as plastic and insincere from beginning to end. The two high points come in his heart to heart with his father, in which his father's sincerity is a piercing and heartbreaking gesture, and the judge's speech at the very end of the film. The final scene in particular is a sermon, but a very worthwhile one, on the need for people to behave decently toward one another or risk eroding the foundations of civil society. It's preachy, but since I agree with the moral of this story so much, it has a certain charm to it. To be honest, if not for those two scenes this movie would have faired worse than 3 stars.
In short, this film is interesting, sometimes even witty, but it's basic message is hampered by a strange sort of alien quality of the film. I blame the director for this. Perhaps some director will take up the mantle and remake this film. In lieu of that, I'd recommend sticking to Wolfe's novel of the same name instead.
truth or correctness?
This is the dilemma the critics faced when reviewing this movie. And their problem was--they didn't like either the truth or the political incorrectness of this film. I've lived in New York and the truth of the depiction in this movie rang all too true. I was also shocked that any moviemaker would have the courage to present some of these truths, because they are blatantly politically incorrect. I doubt whether such a movie could me made nowadays. If it could, only the most independent of indies could make it. So, if you want to enjoy what may be one of your last chances to see politically incorrect truths on film, this is it.
Besides, it's a good movie. Tom Hanks tears your heart out as the wrongfully accused guy. Melanie is lovable as always, bless her lacivious heart. Morgan Freeman stood out--doesn't he always? The movie grips you from start to finish and doesn't let up for a moment. The ending is satisfying.
Bottom line: forget the politcal pundits and enjoy the movie.
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