Five Corners
A psychotic young man returns to his old neighborhood after release from prison. He seeks out the woman he previously tried to rape and the man who protected her, with twisted ideas of love for her and hate for him.
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- Cast:
- Jodie Foster , Tim Robbins , Todd Graff , John Turturro , Elizabeth Berridge , Cathryn de Prume , Pierre Epstein
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Reviews
I love this movie so much
The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.
A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.
The kind of film that doesn't get made anymore in Hollywood. Original story, great atmosphere, wonderful acting. A somewhat quirky but still powerful human drama. Somehow, everything just fits in this film. Given the cast, it's hard to believe it is so little known. One to be re-discovered (hopefully). 8 stars out of 10.In case you're interested in more underrated masterpieces, here's some of my favorites:imdb.com/list/ls070242495
"Five Corners" is a dark comedy about a man (John Turturro) recently released from prison who seeks revenge on the people who caused him to be arrested. They are: the woman (Jodie Foster) he tried to rape; her boyfriend (Todd Graff) and the hero's situation (Tim Robbins), who saved the woman's life, and probably used of a lot of force to detain the rapist (nothing is shown so we have to deduce), since now he's peace-keeper who doesn't trust violence at all after this life changing incidentThis marked as being John Patrick Shanley's first script ever filmed, separated by a few months of the other one that brought him some recognition and the Oscar, the acclaimed "Moonstruck". Never elegant or brilliant like his most successful screenplay, "Five Corners" is something to be seen because Shanley knows how to create good moments one after another with knowledge of cause (he lived similar experiences as the ones showed here), some odd humor and makes you feel interested even when the story goes on a random rampage of sequences and characters that doesn't seem to fit a purpose in the plot - the young kids having a good time all around, including a memorable ride on the top of elevators. They have a purpose actually, but it takes too long to get there.But, like "Moonstruck", he has on his disposal and director Tony Bill, a good ensemble casting (the difference is that most of the actors in this film were relatively unknown at the time of its release while Norman Jewison's film had an stellar casting already famous). Foster and Robbins are fine together, very comfortable in their roles (Tim's best scene involves a small monologue about why he wants to join the Civil Rights Movement); Graff, unforgettable as the comic relief in 99,9% of "The Abyss", is quite annoying as the goofy boyfriend who always seem to ruin the day for everyone. Top quality performance of this comes from the terrorizing psychotic character of Turturro, his coldest and scariest character I've seen since John Shooter in "Secret Window". The drama? Engaging. The suspense? Good with some violent moments, but predictable at many parts (the ending was quite strange though, who could have thought of that happening?). And the comedy? Hardly work I must say. First of all, there's too much randomness included in this, the parts should be put together in a better way and the dialogs should go under a deep construction - that's why the Coen's succeed so much in doing funny and dark tales. OK, not just dialogs, but also in developing believable, sustainable situations. This goes beyond ridiculous when the girl decides to meet the psychopath, completely alone on a park at midnight. Who does that? All in all, presentable, watchable and manageable. A good little flick, probably more known these days because of the cast, which is the main reason why you should see it. 8/10
Classics and Shakespearean scholars of the world, unite! This one is for you! Outside frame #1: Cupids whose arrows are directed toward anger and hatred, not toward instilling love.Inside frames: 1. Snow White rescued from troll-baby by Prince Charming, who doesn't want to stick around, with a side-kick who becomes disabled in the process, and who pines for Snow White's love. Troll-baby is cast into spell-bondage (prison).2. Snow White learns that troll-baby has been released from spell-bondage and is coming back around. Prince Charming also is back in the neighborhood, but isn't interested in fighting any more.3. Prince Charming has bigger dragons to slay: racism.4. Snow White bravely tackles troll-baby herself, but angers him in the process. Seeing no help from Prince Charming, she turns to the side-kick.5. Side-kick leads her to the underground, where troll-baby has power; troll-baby takes over and seizes her, leaving side-kick helpless on the ground.6. Prince Charming re-engages, re-unites with side-kick, and end up confronting troll-baby above ground (Bronx rooftops).Outside frame #2: Re-enter cupids with arrows directed toward anger and hatred.Sub-plots akin to Puck and Peasebottom in Shakespeare, each with comedic elements: 1. Glue-sniffing young women and the cupids, in elevators shafts and bowling alleys. 2. The police, alive and dead.Contrary view: Shakespeare would have had a marriage in there somewhere. There is a potential marriage, but it's not consummated or celebrated.Do I read too much into this one? Possibly. But enjoy it!!!! It's under-rated.
I came across this film on sale, and purchased it because I saw the leading roles- Jodie Foster and Tim Robbins, before they really got famous, and I was surprised at how well the movie was done. Set in the 60s, Five Corners rings true with tone and mood of the times. Plot is straightfoward and even mildly believable, but what the film's shining aspect is its portrayal of human emotions- its very clean, raw look at the fundamental of social interaction.Listen to Jamie's cries at his abducted girlfriend through the steel subway bars. Feel his pain as he scratches for the just-beyond-reach token. Though seemingly one dimensional at first, Heinz is a complex, tortured character with roots (albeit predictably) from youth and upbringing. The film belies its innocent appearance with a few unexpected flashes of violence, yet maintains a positive feel with occaisional punchlines. Another surprise is Eriq La Salle, who plays a commanding role in the film's racial commentary. (Look for his surgeonesque brusque manner in his pre-Benton, MD role.)All together with a mysterious archer vigilante (?) in the midst and cute penguins mucking about, this film is worthy of your time if you have some extra.Verdict for a five dollar DVD? A+ simply on the Beatles tune alone.