Buffalo 66: A Deep Dive into Vincent Gallo's Cult Classic
Vincent Gallo's 1998 film, Buffalo 66, stands apart from typical Hollywood films. It's quirky and visually striking. It carries an offbeat charm. At its core is Billy Brown, a misguided individual. He sees himself as the ultimate victim. Reality tells a different story. This is a character study filled with awkwardness.
Worth your viewing time? Absolutely, if you want something unique. Buffalo 66 is not just a movie; it is an experience. Visually stunning, it may inspire you. Maybe you will even crush on Layla, while feeling frustrated by Billy's antics. It's not exactly family-friendly content.
The film holds a Humanist worldview with some moral messages. Expect colorful language. There are 41 obscenities and 14 profanities. Not suitable for the easily offended. There is violence; a man shoots another and himself. Sexuality appears but is not explicit. There is nudity, and a scene features a man in underwear with a nude woman. Alcohol is present, along with themes of lying and kidnapping.
The Faces Behind the Film: Cast and Crew Dynamics
Let’s discuss the stars. Christina Ricci shines as Layla, tap-dancing with blue eyeshadow. She was just 17 during filming in 1998, capturing Layla's youthful essence. The iconic blue eyeshadow came from Maybelline Baby Blue, discovered by makeup artist Gucci Westman. Ricci values Buffalo 66 despite some memorable moments with Gallo.
Then there is Vincent Gallo. He starred in, directed, and wrote Buffalo 66. He was 37 during filming. Known for his unique personality, he clashed with Ricci on set. She described him as a "crazy lunatic man." He could be nice one moment and unpredictable the next. Despite difficulties, Ricci later recognized Gallo's talent. Time can soften hard memories.
Curious about off-screen romances? Gallo had on-screen chemistry with Chloë Sevigny but clarified in 2010 that they were never involved romantically. Just a piece of celebrity trivia for you.
Billy Brown: A Study in Self-Deception
Returning to Billy Brown, he embodies self-inflicted misery. Why did he end up in prison? In a misguided act of protection, he confessed to a crime he didn't commit for his parents' sake. A disastrous bet on the 1991 Super Bowl led to this mess. The wager went wrong and sent Billy to prison for five years. Upon release, his parents greeted him coldly, igniting his victim complex.
Themes Woven into the Buffalo Fabric
Buffalo 66 isn't only about characters; it touches on deeper issues. Gallo identifies as politically conservative and calls the film political. This adds another layer to explore. The dynamic between Billy and Layla intrigues viewers. Some see her attraction towards Billy as Stockholm Syndrome. She breaks down his emotional defenses, confronting his pain.
The age gap between Billy (around 37) and Layla (17) is striking. In today’s terms, it raises eyebrows, and it's crucial to consider the “half-your-age-plus-seven” rule. This gives context to socially acceptable age differences. A 37-year-old could date someone as young as 25.5. Layla at 17 highlights the unconventional connection within the film.
The buffalo symbolizes respect beyond the title's surface. Historically, it embodied reverence through sacrifice, providing resources for others—a symbol of generosity in its entirety.
Sonic Landscapes and Storytelling Nuances
Music sets the mood in Buffalo 66. The film closes with "Sweetness" by Yes, ironic yet fitting as it rolls credits. The song leaves a bittersweet feeling.
A disturbing element surfaces with Billy's dog. In a flashback, we see his father in rage, holding the puppy and screaming about a mess. This scene cuts mid-yell, suggesting a grim fate for the poor dog due to his father's abuse. The act remains unshown, suggesting horrors left to our imaginations, which are often more chilling.
In conclusion, Buffalo 66 transcends mere movie status; it serves as mood, visual delight, and character investigation wrapped in independent film style. It's both frustrating and captivating like Billy Brown himself. If you seek comfort food for cinema, look elsewhere. If you desire something visually exceptional and emotionally complex, add Buffalo 66 to your watch list. Prepare for cinematic madness—Gallo style.
Responses (0 )