Natural Born Killers

Written by: Stone et al; story by Quentin Tarantino Starring: Woody Harrelson, Juliette Lewis, Robert Downey Jr., Tommy Lee Jones

After seeing this picture, one thing becomes very clear: there is something seriously wrong with Oliver Stone. The other thing that becomes clear is that no one around makes movies like he does; he has moved into a realm of his own, and no one can touch him. Here he is pushing the envelope of commercial filmmaking, and the result blows you out of the theater. He is redefining the medium, and, like it or hate it, you won't forget it. Stone virtually explodes the conventions of narrative moviemaking, but with such control and skill that he never lets the audience get away. The picture virtually defies adequate description; it is more akin to a multimedia extravaganza than a simple movie. I am not willing to vouch for the satirical commentary that others seen in the picture, though.

In fact, I get the feeling that Stone comes uncomfortably close to doing what he is ostensibly decrying: glamorizing the mass murderers. There is no doubt that Micky and Mallory are the coolest people in the film (and Harrelson and Lewis are mesmerizing in the roles). I think that Stone's attraction to what they represent is evident, and while that makes for a riveting (and perhaps frightening) picture, it is a poor foundation upon which to build social commentary. Nevertheless, the star here is the director and his one-of-a-kind vision, and while I'm not sure it's one I'd want to share, it certainly is exhilarating to visit it for a while. (8/29/94)