A review by Brooks Rich
For the first time in Tony Scott month, we have a film being covered on forgotten film Friday. I didn't think most of his filmography could be called a forgotten film. Even Beverly Hills Cop 2 isn't forgotten. People just forget he directed it. The Fan, Scott's sports thriller, is probably forgotten but that film is so awful I don't want to even waste time thinking about it. The Last Boy Scout is probably forgotten but is startling bad but we will get there. So instead we come to the brutal 1990 revenge thriller aptly titled, Revenge.
Kevin Costner stars as a recently retired Navy pilot who travels to Mexico to visit his old friend Tiburon "Tibey" Mendez, played by the legendary Anthony Quinn. An ill advised affair with Tibey's wife, played by Madeline Stowe, leads to a brutal act of retribution which then in turn leads to a violent and tragic third act.
This does not look like he usual Tony Scott fare. His editing and style aren't always present. He was more of a hired gun on this one but occasionally he does bring his flare. But usually someone can watch a Tony Scott film and tell that it's him. Not so much with Revenge. It is very well shot but it's different for him. His editing is not as chaotic and he builds dread with a slow paced but nervous first act.
I'll be honest. This is not a fun film to watch like most of Scott's films are. This is a very dark and tragic story and at the end there is really no one left to root for. Costner is the quote unquote protagonist but he is so corrupted and empty at the end he's almost as bad as Quinn's antagonist. The final scene between them is so haunting and Quinn asks something of him that is gut wrenching. This will be one of my shorter write ups because where I do like this film, it's so heavy and unpleasant at times. I also do not want to ruin anymore about the plot. If you're in the mood for something serious, give Revenge a watch.
For the first time in Tony Scott month, we have a film being covered on forgotten film Friday. I didn't think most of his filmography could be called a forgotten film. Even Beverly Hills Cop 2 isn't forgotten. People just forget he directed it. The Fan, Scott's sports thriller, is probably forgotten but that film is so awful I don't want to even waste time thinking about it. The Last Boy Scout is probably forgotten but is startling bad but we will get there. So instead we come to the brutal 1990 revenge thriller aptly titled, Revenge.
Kevin Costner stars as a recently retired Navy pilot who travels to Mexico to visit his old friend Tiburon "Tibey" Mendez, played by the legendary Anthony Quinn. An ill advised affair with Tibey's wife, played by Madeline Stowe, leads to a brutal act of retribution which then in turn leads to a violent and tragic third act.
This does not look like he usual Tony Scott fare. His editing and style aren't always present. He was more of a hired gun on this one but occasionally he does bring his flare. But usually someone can watch a Tony Scott film and tell that it's him. Not so much with Revenge. It is very well shot but it's different for him. His editing is not as chaotic and he builds dread with a slow paced but nervous first act.
I'll be honest. This is not a fun film to watch like most of Scott's films are. This is a very dark and tragic story and at the end there is really no one left to root for. Costner is the quote unquote protagonist but he is so corrupted and empty at the end he's almost as bad as Quinn's antagonist. The final scene between them is so haunting and Quinn asks something of him that is gut wrenching. This will be one of my shorter write ups because where I do like this film, it's so heavy and unpleasant at times. I also do not want to ruin anymore about the plot. If you're in the mood for something serious, give Revenge a watch.
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