Maldito Nick

I'd imagine the average person would find this quite dull and pointless. Possibly even pretentious and unrealistic. Others will revel in the intimate, stage-like, indie, slice-of-life, raw, gutty aspects of the film. I found it utterly engaging and nostalgic until the final act.

The illusion starting falling apart for me near the end. I was a teenager at this time, so don't get me wrong - people were different in the 90s. Conversations happened. Randomly. People connected in real life over books, music etc and even had relationships based on those encounters! Shocking, I know! But aspects of this film felt forced and unrealistic.

The world's changed and it's good to remember a time when genuine connections randomly happened, but I don't know if this film earnestly encapsulates that time. I enjoyed it overall and it's almost theruptic to open up the time capsule once in a while. Great cast, unique locations, not the deepest story, but these indie dramas from the 90s are nostalgic for me, so I'll give a moderate thumbs up for the performances, settings and independent look and feel of this film.

This movie is in a category I like to call time and place. It has a very powerful resonance with someone who is experiencing a similar dilemma. For me I originally watched it when it came out and thought the dialogue was well-paced and witty and the acting from Fonda, Roth, and Cates was superb. I recently watched the film again, because I had somewhat grown into its situation. Needless to say it was nearly poetic in a way. That western landscape and feeling of restlessness... My only major complaint was the scoring was a little tedious at times.

This opens with Newton's First Law of Motion. It's Enfield, Arizona. Recently fired TV salesman Nick (Tim Roth) impulsively decides to move to Butte, Montana. His girlfriend Beth (Bridget Fonda) is following him there and they leave behind friend Carol (Phoebe Cates). Workman Sid (Eric Stoltz) comes to paint Nick and Beth's place before the new tenants arrive. It's their last day in the house.

It's a 90's indie about four characters. Each one is stuck in a different way as they navigate love's cross currents. Nick is damaged and causing damage. Both Beth and Carol are trapped by him in different ways. Sid is the romantic who falls for Beth. There is something a little overly written in the dialogue. It comes off a little too much. The movie also needs some scenes with all four characters together. I kept expecting it and it never happens. It's been almost thirty years since I first saw this movie. I have to say that I don't remember any of it other than the theme song. The song sets a tone and I do remember that. I don't find these characters appealing and it needs an explosive scene with the four lead characters together confronting their feelings. At the very least, Beth needs to confront Nick.

A film which manages to perfectly sum up the dilemma encompassed by the so-called Generation X: a generation that has never had it better, and has it all for the taking - if only they could figure out just what 'it' is.

Nick (Tim Roth) carries the momentum of this notion, claiming that what he wants "isn't in here, and it isn't out there...", yet he regardless embarks on a voyage to Butte, Montana which is rumoured to be the City of the Future: "I read that a while ago, so the future's probably already there".

Much of the film is concentrated on the aftermath of his departure, and in particular his decision to leave his girlfriend Beth (Bridget Fonda)behind in Arizona. Beth now must reach a similar decision in Nick's absence, finally deciding what 'she' wants as opposed to the wants of those around her (namely Nick). Also involved in this tangle of relationships are Nick's ex-lover and Beth's best friend (Phoebe Cates), and a painter (Eric Stoltz) whose introduction to the situation further complicates Beth's thinking.

The film, like Glengarry Glenn Ross, is based on a stage play and this is evident in the minimum of locations employed and heavy emphasis on dialogue. However, this is really quite satisfying as characters are allowed to express and develop far much more than is customary in other such, so-called 'soul-searching' films.

Stand-out performances from Fonda and Roth, and an intelligent script.

Eric Stoltz popping and loving the packing bubbles the TV came in is us film nerds liking this meandering drama more than the average movie viewer.

Tim Roth has that annoying 90's men's haircut that everyone had and he speaks in an American accent which kept throwing me off.

So 90's you'll wanna dig out your flannel to wear while watching it.