Paris Trout

A very literate drama, filled with characters who can speak like poets. Ed Harris is a Southern gentleman lawyer caught up in a set of circumstances that soon escalate beyond his control. His frustration is palpable, and his quiet desperation makes him a man to be pitied. Barbara Hershey is an angry victim of demoralizing abuse in a stultifying environment of prejudice and psychosis. Dennis Hopper is the embodiment of this psychosis. And these three characters are tied together in a tortuous Devil's knot. A fascinating portrayal of good and evil. Put the kids to bed before you watch.

"Paris Trout" translates to the screen better than any work by John Grisham. The 1949 southern small town atmosphere is flawless, but it is the tremendous character development, lacking in Grisham's films, that drives "Paris Trout". Barbara Hershey as the suffering wife, and Ed Harris as the disillusioned lawyer are terrific. Dennis Hopper was born to play the evil character Paris Trout, and he delivers an "Oscar" worthy performance. Living in a fool's paradise, Paris makes his own rules, and attempts to control everyone else. This behavior leads to murder, and eventually insanity. A true product of his environment, Paris cannot deal with losing control. The consequences of his loss are both sad and fascinating. - MERK

Dennis always amazes me and I think this is probably his best film. If you think he was bad in Blue Velvet, just watch this film. There is no other actor who could have played this role better. It was like someone wrote the part just for him. He is so chilling that you want to turn away. It made me sick the way he brutalized his wife and killed that little girl in cold blood. Paris Trout is a demon in human form. He has no remorse, no conscience and is probably the worst villian in the history of the movies.

Paris Trout is a pretty rough movie. Sometimes it gets too hard to watch, but there is a good reason behind this choice of the director. Rascists are mentally ill people most of the times. If not ill surely misguided. Paris trout is a nearly crazy man and all he deserves is what he gets in the end. This movie is pretty good. Acting is simply excellent. Dennis Hopper makes a great job in his very disgusting role. Ed Harris is once again the big catch in the movie. He gives a great depth to his character. Writing is pretty beautiful. Makes you wonder about many things. Direction is very solid. Everything with this movie was about right. Watch it, but be prepared. It's tough watching movies like that.

I saw this in a theater and later found out it was actually a HBO movie in the U.S. but had been amazed by how well done it was. The acting is superb - Dennis Hopper does evil men like almost no-one else, Barbara Hershey and Ed Harris are good in whatever they do. It starts out as a harrowing racial drama but soon grows larger into a tale of authority and the evils of power over those who are weaker unless society and its laws protect them. A powerful and disturbing movie. 9/10