# Wild Things (1998)

### reviewed by
R. L. Strong

    "Wild Things"
    review by R. L. Strong
    copyright 1998 R. L. Strong

Mandalay Entertainment presents a John McNaughton film. "Wild Things" Kevin Bacon. Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, Theresa Russell, Denise Richards, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Robert Wagner, Carrie Snodgress, and Bill Murray. Written by Kem Nunn & Stephen Peters. Cinematography by Jeffrey L. Kimball. Music by George S. Clinton. Production Design by Edward T. McAvoy. Costume Design by Kimberly A. Tillman. Edited by Elena Maganini. Produced Steven A. Jones & Rodney M. Liber. Executive Producer: Kevin Bacon. Directed by John McNaughton a Columbia Pictures release. Rated R

John McNaughton has fashioned one of the most joyful and funniest thrillers in the past decade. Taking a very skewed look at the trend towards 'film noir', "Wild Things" does for the thriller genre what Wes Craven's "Scream" did for horror. That being, reinventing the genre by using it's conventions to laugh with us at the absurdity of it.

"Wild Things" starts off with a tense, playfulness. Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon) is a guidance counselor at a local college in Florida. He is a heartthrob for the female student body. He leads an assembly introducing some students to the local detectives, Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon) and Gloria Perez (Daphne Rubin-Vega) for a discussion on Sex Crimes. Tension mounts immediately when Suzie Toller leaves the auditorium cursing on behalf of Duquette, (for what reason, we won't learn until much later in the plot).

The plot starts in earnest when Kelly Van Ryan (Denice Richards) and her friend Nicole show up at Sam's home to wash his car (part of a school credit program). Kelly has an obvious crush on Sam, and conspires with her friend to be left alone with him.

Events start to take a drastic turn when Sam is accused of rape. He is suspended from his job, loses his home and is outcast from the port town he lives.

That's all of the plot that I'm going to reveal here. To give you any more would be a great disservice to you. This is a film that has to be savored and embraced. The performances are all top notch except for one. Matt Dillon carries the film, with a marvelously subdued performance that keeps you guessing as to the moral character of Sam Lombardo. Kevin Bacon captures the angst and passion of a cop who is so disenchanted with his job that he'd be willing to risk termination and possibly prison to get out of it. The surprise performance is from up and comer Neve Campbell. Having cut her teeth on the television series 'Party of Five' and the films "SCREAM" and "SCREAM 2", Ms. Campbell shows a rich sense of drama and risk taking that most actresses would shy away from.

The surprising supporting cast is a joy to watch. Seeing Theresa Russell, Robert Wagner and Carrie Snodgress is only part of the magic that "Wild Things" performs. The surprising and welcome cameo by Bill Murray is one of the films most joyful and welcome surprises. His sleazy attorney Ken Bowden is classic Murray, carrying the same screen capturing quality of his earlier performances in "Caddyshack", "Mad Dog & Glory" and "Groundhog Day". The standout performance here is from newcomer Daphne Rubin-Vega. Cast as Det. Gloria Perez, Ms. Rubin-Vega almost single-handedly holds the film from going over the edge into it's sleazy undercurrent. Her performance is subtle and well defined and I would be surprised if we don't see more of her in films to come, a marvelous fresh new face. Additional credit must be given to director John McNaughton, who handles this talented and diverse cast with all the skill and dexterity of a Zubin Mehta holding sway over the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The only false note in this film and a minor one is Denise Richards. Her performance is not up to the caliber of the other cast members, but she does try gamely. This being only her second major film, Ms. Richards has a quality that captures the camera. While her performance here is not as effectual as the others, it gives solid evidence of a talent on the rise.

The script by Kem Nunn & Stephen Peters is such a marvelously constructed thriller, that the comedic qualities inherent in this genre come to the forefront. This is what gives the film it's flow and energy. Without that comedic touch, "Wild Things" would be only another in a long line of dreary, generic erotic thrillers. The dialogue sparkles with nuance and character, you almost feel that the lines are spoken live and not rehearsed. While there is nothing here Tarrantino-like. This is not dialogue that calls attention to itself. This is real people speaking in the way people speak. Not everything is revealed in their words, but is alluded to.

The final kudos go to John McNaughton, who wrote and directed the truly frightening "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer." and handled the reigns of both "Mad Dog & Glory" and the under-rated "A Normal Life", brings a true spirit of recklessness to the film. He knows when to punch up the comedy and when to settle into suspense, sometimes crossing those lines with such verve and skill that you can expect to be surprised come Oscar time in '99.

"Wild Things" is one of the most enjoyable films so far this year. Hip, and knowingly so. But never so much so that it gives it's best surprises away to it's audience without first winking at us. Just remember to stay through the end credits for some very, very entertaining (and funny) tie ups to a few loose ends.

    ****= out of *****
    Copyright 1998 R. L. Strong

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