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The Caveman's Valentine |
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1/2 |
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Rating: Very Good
Distributor: Universal Focus
MPAA Rating: R
Running Length: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Release Date: March 2nd 2001 (limited), wider March 30th, 2001.
Genre: Mystey, Drama
Director: Kasi Lemmons
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Ann Magnuson, Aunjanue Ellis, Tamara Tunie, Anthony Micheal Hall, Colm Feore, Jay Rodan, and Damir Andrei.
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Plot: Romulus Ledbetter (Samuel L. Jackson) is a severely disturbed, but brilliant homeless man. Of course, if you ask Romulus he'll say he isn't homeless, but will say "I live in a cave!" It's true. Anyway, he finds a frozen, dead man outside his cave one day. He immediately thinks the cause of the death is "Stiverson." Stiverson is an all powerful figure Ledbetter has created in his mind, a sort of Big Brother (1984, George Orwell just in case you don't know), or gorvernment bad guy who lives in the Chrysler building. His street friends however hint the work might be of a photographer. Eventually Romulus becomes wrapped up in the twisted art world of Mr. Leppenrob. But, are the rumors of Mr. Leppenrob true? While investigating the case Romulus tries to breach the hole between him and his daughter, who is a police woman. He also has imaginary discussions with his wife at a younger age. Romulus is a great pianist who apparently left his family when he became disturbed. |
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Critique: The Caveman's Valentine is a visually arresting, unique, artful motion picture. It is stunningly well directed by Kasi Lemmons, and well made by a technical team made up almost totally of women. Samuel L. Jackson towers as Romulus Leadbetter, and defines his characters through volatile and conversely gentle mannerisms. After a year of a hit and miss in 2000 (Rules of Engagement, Shaft, and Unbreakable) Jackson looks like he is off to a good start. However, this is much more a director's movie than an actor's. The startling originality overwhelms the slightly pretentious ideas. The cinematography by Amelia Vincent is although flashy, incredibally effective. Between her cinematography, Terence Blanchard's haunting music, and Kasi Lemmons forceful direction a visionary, dreamy mood is crafted. A mood so self assured, and fascinating that the journey we take is highly enjoyable. The supporting characters all have their own unique niches, and moments of brilliance.
The plot is twisting and intricate, and well written by George Dawes Green. (Green wrote the original book.) Some critics might be turned off by the ambitions of the film, but to those I question why they complained about films that were too formulaic. This film is so far from formulaic that you even have to wonder what Kasi Lemmons had for breakfast. Then I wondered if I too could try that meal. Movies like this are all too rare, movies that focus on blending art with life. Before Night Falls did the same thing, and I think we need more challenging films like these. Films that try to transcend the basic formula will hopefully encourage more creativity. Certainly The Caveman's Valentine should at least be hailed for its startling creativity.
In conclusion, Kasi Lemmons's artful film is often brilliant. It is entertaining, and intellectually stimulating. It is ambitious as well as very well acted. Jackson does a knockout job at furfilling Lemmons's dream.
review by supernothingman |
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