Buffalo 66
Buffalo 66 is one of THOSE films. You’re either going to love it or hate it — ultra bgrade, done on the cheap, but utterly compelling and brilliant. The story is surprisingly simple — man gets out of prison, man kidnaps girl to impress parents, man goes through voyage of discovery (of sorts). Vincent Gallo was a Calvin Klein underwear model. Along with Mark “Marky Mark” Wahlberg (who proved his worth in the fantastic “Burt Reynolds vehicle” Boogie Nights), he has really developed now that he has stopped showing his well-developed torso and pecs (although we do get a shot of both lust objects in one scene of Buffalo 66). Not only does he prove his worth in this ripper lo-fi film, he also shows considerable talent as director, script-writer, producer and music-composer. This truly is HIS film. It is the assistance of others that really make Buffalo 66 the greatest film that it is — Christina Ricci (in Blonde guise) is fantastic as the “looking for lurve” Layla (or is that Wendy? Go see the film and you’ll see what I’m getting at!!). However, perhaps the star of this film is Anjelica Huston, who plays Gallo’s Buffalo Bills (and American Gridiron team) obsessed mother. She doesn’t even like Gallo’s character, let alone love him!! In fact, her biggest regret is giving birth — it stopped her seeing Buffalo’s only Super Bowl win. Hank Azaria (better known as Homer in The Simpsons) turns in a subdued performance as Gallo’s bitter father, but his performance of lip-syncing a Gallo composition (sung by Vincent Gallo Snr.) is fantastic stuff — as is Ricci’s tap performance in the bowling alley (the only place where Gallo’s character is truly “at home”). Filmed in Gallo’s home town, with many shots from inside a house that he grew up in with his parents, this is a true indie semi-autobiographical masterpiece. With the buzz of the projector in the background, not to mention the super comfy purple chairs of Cinema Nova, this is a must-see for 1998.
AnDrEw1
