The Dark Side of the Sun

In spite of what others have said, I enjoyed this movie. I had never heard of it before and I have just seen it on the Canadian Movie Channel. I was puzzled to see how young Brad Pitt was - even younger than in "Thelma and Louise" - until I read the explanation about it being filmed in Yugoslavia in 1988 and then being lost for 9 years until finally issued in 1997. As I am a male senior citizen, I don't get palpitations at the sight of Brad Pitt, but I do like and respect him, and have enjoyed most of his movies. Some of the acting and parts of the script leave a great deal to be desired. However, this movie has a very Film Festival European feel to it, and in my view is a bit too deep for most North American film fans (insult intended). The scene of him frolicking in the ocean with the dolphins, and his description of the most wonderful day that he had ever spent, moved me tremendously. Life is made up of choices, and the choice for the hero was one day of great happiness and joy, or a lifetime of imprisonment.

This obscure film from Yugoslavia would probably be even more obscure if it didn't star the then-unknown actor Brad Pitt. And undeservedly neglected, as "Dark side of the Sun" is quite a beautiful, and utterly surreal piece of filmmaking. The young Rick suffers from a rare skin disease; if he is exposed to sunlight, or any bright light, his skin will quickly deteriorate and he will die in just a matter of days or weeks. because of this, Rick must wear a bizarre, S&M style leather body suit, and matching black leather mask, all the time! Nobody can see his face, and he rides a motorcycle, so as not to appear too strange in his leather suit. A chance encounter with a beautiful American girl, (Rick is also American, but lives in Yugoslavia) forces Rick to re-evaluate his own existence. He decides that a week living life as a normal kid is worth a lifetime of living separated from the World.

This film has a lot going for it, such as the beautiful Yugoslavian scenery and glimpse into their culture. Filmed just before war broke out in this land, the film provides an opportunity to see how wonderful and peaceful Yugoslavia was before the late 1980's. The story is unabashedly romantic, and tragic, and possesses a rare innocent quality to it. The director wisely decides to score the film with beautiful classical music, which adds much intensity to the already emotional tale. Filmed mostly in a gorgeous mansion by the sea, "Dark side of the Sun" has a distinctly "foreign film" style to it, which i wasn't expecting. American films from this period usually have a very dated look to them, but this movie has aged well. I believe director Bozidar Nikolic cast a physically beautiful actor in the main role intentionally, making the fact that he must live wearing a mask that much more tragic and sad. "Dark side of the Sun" possesses a surreal quality. It plays out much like a Greek tragedy, or some bizarre fairy tale, and it's conclusion is not exactly a happy one, but considering it's a story of a young person living out their dream, you don't feel depressed at the films end. Although it is difficult to see Rick's physical beauty destroyed. Not surprisingly this movie did not score too high here; it is strange and not for all tastes. Recommended though, for fans of foreign film, or just bizarre and unique cinema.

This well shot and well located movie is complimented by an interesting debut by Brad Pitt. Set in 1988 just before the Yugoslavian conflict the story follows the fortunes of Rick (Brad Pitt) in meeting with a young American girl whilst suffering from a potentially fatal skin disease.

Set in a small town on the Adriatic the film is beautifully shot and is worth anyones time and money who appreciate a well made film professionally acted.

Just watch for that part of the film covering the final three days - it is not predictable. On top of all this the history of the film is intriguing - shortly after the film was finished the completed work went missing only to be discovered 6 years later after the Yugoslavian conflict ended in 1996. The Director(check him out) certainly had his work cut out in obtaining distributors for what by then was rated as a poor performance from an established actor.

Especially watch for some close resemblances to Joe Black. The music was good too.

Torson Falcradine 20:ii:MMV (c)T Falcradine

I was only fourteen when I first watched this film on TV. I liked everything about it: dialogs, acting, music, its plot (especially interchanging cheerful and poignant moments)... I didn't like only the ending but later I understood that the film just couldn't have ended otherwise. I fell in love with Rick the moment he took his mask off. Actually, Brad Pitt is still my favourite actor thanks to this character. His Rick is lively, a bit childlike, courageous, strong, a real gentleman and pure charm. I wish the film was longer so I could get to see him more! I have to admit that I wouldn't like this film so much if it wasn't for Brad's talent and looks. Of course, over the years I realized how unpretentious "The Dark Side of the Sun" is but it will forever be my favourite of favourites. It occupies such special place because:

• It sparked my passion for learning English as I wanted to understand everything when I would watch the film in the original. Eventually, my linguistic skills determined my career path.
• It gave me the sweet feeling of being truly in love for the first time.
• It cured my fear of sleeping in the dark.
• It broadened my horizons: for example, it made me interested in works by Tennessee Williams.

I understand that other people can react to this film differently so I won't urge anyone to watch it. I just felt compelled to share my experience. Thank you for reading.

This is a wannabe "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble," but Travolta did a much better job than Brad Pitt in that role.

I'm a big Pitt fan, but he's really lame in this one. When he's wearing the mask, he is very melodramatic. Maybe the director told him to exaggerate his voice, since he does not have the benefit of facial expressions. Whatever the reason, it doesn't work.

The sad thing is, Pitt's performance is probably the best in the movie. The other actors are even worse.

The whole film has a B-movie feel. For example, there's a fight scene where a guy is knocked out by a slap to the face.