 | The Limey Starring: Terence Stamp, Peter Fonda, Leslie Ann Warren, Luiz Guzman, Barry Newman |
Steven Soderbergh's "The Limey," produced in 1999, is a taut, well-written, highly stylised tale of revenge. Soderbergh focuses on the narrative and avoids pitfalls that could send this story into hopeless confusion. His use of Lachman's camera, with terrific mise-en-scenes and bold editing, with flash back and flash forwards, serve to add intensity to the story and the main character, Wilson (Stamp). "The Limey" is a simple tale well visualised and magnificently performed by Terence Stamp. Solid back up performances by Luiz Guzman, Barry Newman, Peter Fonda, and Leslie Ann Warren enhance the film, yet this is Stamp's film all the way. From the first close up of Wilson, we realise that this guy is not one to mess with. Stamp can accomplish more with a slight facial expression than many actors with volumes of dialogue. Wilson has just been released from a nine-year jail sentence in Great Britain. We meet him on a flight from London to LA. He received a letter from a friend of his daughter's informing him of her death in a mysterious auto accident in Los Angeles. The letter suggests foul play. With little to go on, Wilson contacts the author of the letter (Guzman). Wilson's daughter had been dating a rich, music producer, Terry Valentine (Fonda), who is also a drug smuggler. Fonda is perfect as the suave, arrogant villain surrounded by a large security force headed by the brutally efficient Avery (Newman). Wilson identifies his daughter's killer early in the film and wastes little time in accomplishing his revenge. A lot of people die, as the soft, cowardly Valentine proves no match for the bright, ruthless Wilson. "The Limey" is a well-done small film that speaks well for the talent of director Soderbergh while confirming the strong screen presence of Terence Stamp. One would hope we see more of this underrated, talented actor. |