I am the King

Good morning Consumers. Good morning Consumers. This is please consume, film newsletter that double butters your popcorn.

Snake Eyes (1998)

Let’s talk Snake Eyes!

No, not the GI Joe prequel film from a few years back (I actually haven't seen that one, is it even worth a watch?)

We are talking about Brian De Palma's forgotten masterpiece.

Likely you haven't seen it. But I believe it deserves to be on this Best of ‘98 list.

And here’s why…

This Plot

Here is the pitch for this movie:

Nicolas Cage plays a dirty cop who, while at a heavyweight title boxing match, witnesses the murder of the secretary of defense. Cage then has to uncover a massive conspiracy to find the killer.

Oh, Did I mention that this all takes place in Atlantic City during a category 5 hurricane?

If that's not The Good Sh!t I don't know what is.

One Shot

This may be my favorite “Oner” in a movie.

Okay, it’s not really a “oner”. But I'll be damned if it ain't close. I count 2 hidden cuts in the first 13 minutes and 23 seconds. See if you can find them.

The reason that it may be my favorite is that 90% of the time, films that pull off a long “one-shot” take can feel showy. However, when you're watching this it feels necessary to the story.

Slowly building the energy, De Palma tries to use Cage’s big performance to distract you from what’s actually happening.

You pick up more and more breadcrumbs until finally, with a gunshot, chaos breaks out.

I am the King

Nick often gets blasted for his over-the-top performances.

Really think about what is happening in the opening scene. These are some of the highlights that we find out about his character, Mr. Rick Santoro.

1. He is a dirty cop.

2. He is cheating on his wife.

3. He dresses as if Miami was a person.

But guess what… You still like this absolute scum.

You know why??

Because Cage is so damn charming. It’s his superpower. No matter how loud or obnoxious he gets, you still find yourself saying “ I hope this guy wins, seems like a good hang.”

Today’s Scene