Director
Martin Scorsese and screenwriter Paul Schrader (who've collaborated on such brilliant
films as Taxi Driver and Raging Bull) re-unite to bring this haunting story of
a New York paramedic to the screen.
Nicolas
Cage gives a heartbreaking performance (easily his best since Leaving Las Vegas)
as an on-the-edge paramedic. He displays both desperation and high anxiety in
a role that won't soon be forgotten.
Bringing
out the Dead could be classified as an unconventional ghost story. It's dark,
moody and surreal, but this is more about the ghosts in your mind, and Schrader's
screenplay always keeps the emphasis on the human element.
Scorcese,
as always, shows undeniable passion when bringing his stories to the screen, and
although Bringing out the Dead is incoherent at times, but serves the purpose
of capturing the turbulent lifestyle of these characters.
Mr.
Scorcese has also rounded up a spectacular cast including; Patricia Arquette (True
Romance), John Goodman (Roseanne), Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction), Tom Sizemore (Saving
Private Ryan), and singer Marc Anthony. All are in top form.
Above
all, Bringing out the Dead is a mesmerizing character study about redemption and
forgiveness. It's a restrained and, ultimately, touching story told with the uncompromising
skill and care by a master that knows his craft.
As
expected, this film (like so many of Scorcese's films) isn't making money at the
box office and that's a sure-fire sign of excellence. Scorcese has taken yet another
chance in his stellar career. He's easily the most talented and passionate film
maker of the last twenty years. Bringing out the Dead certainly isn't his finest
work but it's brilliant nonetheless.
