...engaging and discerning culture, as a way of life...

November 08, 2005

Buffalo '66 - 6

Thanks to Keith for the recommendation. This film was written, directed, and stars Vincent Gallo, who does indie films. I almost hated the film, but the ending definitely redeemed it, if I understood it correctly. The film follows the crazy tale of Billy who has just been released from prison and goes home to try to impress his parents. It involves kidnapping and eventually recognition of the bigger picture that is the context for life. It is somewhat reminiscent of the idea in Trainspotting to "choose life." The title is a reference to the setting -Buffalo, NY- and the obsession of the Bills, who made it to the league championship on the day of Billy's birth, causing his mother to miss the game. Yes, there is more anger than love in his family. In the end what is required to keep getting up in the morning is to take the "long view," to see past merely the present moment and to hope for the future.

2 comments:

Jason said...

Vincent Gallo also...nevermind.

~greg said...

Yeah...apparently his more recent film, Brown Bunny, is his chance to really "expose" himself to the audience. I think I might stay away from that one.