Monday, October 4, 2010

Movie of the Week - Dick Tracy

This week’s movie is Dick Tracy (1990).

The film is about police detective Dick Tracy as he fights against organized crime headed by Big Boy Caprice. The first thing to know about this movie is that it is one of the most interesting aesthetic films ever made. If you are into production design, cinematography or aesthetics in general, this is a must see. Warren Beatty is best known as an actor, but he is also a gifted director (I highly suggest this film and Reds from his work). His collaboration with cinematography legend Vittorio Storaro (he also shot Apocalypse Now) and fantastic production designer Richard Sylbert is amazing. The whole film is done with effects (but no CGI) – miniatures, camera effects, etc. Beatty uses only bold colors and warps the faces of the villains – the hero is the hero and the villains are easily recognizable. Stylistically, it is wholly original and a wonderful treat. Plus, Danny Elfman delivers a classic and memorable score. The film also incorporates a number of musical numbers throughout – utilizing one of film’s stars, Madonna (at the time she was Beatty’s girlfriend). Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman and Dick Van Dyke headline a great cast. But it is the visual component of the film that really steals the show. The film is fairly campy, and thus not for everyone – but for cinema lovers, this is a rare and great film. Check out the trailer.

Dick Tracy is available on DVD on Amazon.com and to rent at Netflix.com

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