El diario rojo

A good movie if you want to see a pre-X-file D. Duchovny (talking dirty and shirtless). Also, if you like erotica, then this is a good movie for you. It is filmed with a lot of strange lights and shadows that sets the dark mood of the movie.

Sure, this movie has become a soft-core series on cable television... but this movie is COMPLETELY different from the series that followed. That said, it has a soul. It is depressing as hell. Very realistic scenario, and top-notch acting by all involved.

I will not spoil the movie... but please give this film a fair shot. The last 15 minutes alone are worth the price of the DVD easily. The "basketball scene." This movie definitely touched a part of my heart, being as I'm a good guy... not a jerk. And usually, the nice guys finish last... I won't say if the nice guy in this film finishes last or not, but I will say it's very, very heartfelt... and very, very sad. EXCELLENT score, too, by George S. Clinton, who also provided music for Brainscan and others.. he has a beautiful piano style that reminds me of Thomas Newman in its soul.

Do give this film a fair chance. Must be watched from the beginning, or you'll miss the whole point.

Brigette Bako in 1992 was one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. She's a decent actress as well but this script is a dud. I've watched film twice and I still can't figure out why the main character is suicidal. We see glimpses of erratic behavior, but it doesn't add up.

David Duchovny is competent as usual but again very little to work with. The rest of the cast is mediocre.

Briggete Bako deserved a much better career, she was better than the typical 90's B movie sex pots. She has an elegance about her that could've been used to better effect by better directors and better scripts. Too bad.

Jake Winters (David Duchovny) is struggling with his girlfriend Alex (Brigitte Bako)'s suicide. He finds her diary and reads the entries. She had an affair with construction worker/shoe salesman Thomas Butler who is completely different from Jake. He won't let her go even after Jake's proposal. She ends up taking her life and Jake decides to go confront Thomas.

Duchovny is actually not the lead in the first hour. It's Brigitte Bako's story. She's a beautiful woman with some acting skills. The same could probably be said of Thomas Butler. It's a meandering erotic melodrama. Then there is the Duchovny and Butler basketball game to the death. It is memorable filled with over-the-top drama. Bridgit Ryan is also memorable as the drunk girl with Heidi #1 and Heidi #2. It's a little fun, a little erotic and plenty of not-so-good.

Although this movie tries to tug at the heart strings, it fails to provide either likeable characters or believable motivations for their actions.

Music, script, and acting are on the level of the average porn movie. Regrettably, the average porn movie provides more incentive to watch than Red Shoes does. Don't waste your time with this one.