Movie Loner

There’s been a lot of chatter lately about the career decline of both Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. Last week’s 88 Minutes did nothing to dispel the notion that Pacino is finished, and the negative grumblings surrounding the upcoming Righteous Kill won’t help either Al or Bob. Two old-timers who continue to churn out great performances in interesting films are Jack Nicholson and Michael Caine. One such film is Blood and Wine, a gritty noirish thriller that proves there is no honor among thieves.

Nicholson plays Alex Gates, a philandering Miami wine dealer looking for a big score. Alex has his eyes on a priceless necklace stashed away in a wealthy client’s palatial estate. To nab the jewels Alex partners with Vic Spansky, a short-fused safecracker dying of lung disease. Once Alex and Vic get their hands on the necklace things begin to go awry. A domestic tiff between Alex and his wife Suzanne (Judy Davis) leaves Alex unconscious. Suzanne grabs a bag, unaware it contains the stolen goods, and flees with her son Jason (Steven Dorff).

Suzanne and Jason head for the Keys with Alex and Vic in fast pursuit. The venomous Vic will do anything to reclaim the jewels. Standing in his way is Jason, who cleverly pieces together the scheme and devises a plan of his own. It’s every man for himself as Alex, Vic and Jason vie for possession of the diamonds. Self-preservation takes grip as the lure of immense riches consumes the trio of thieves.

People often complain about not liking any of the characters in a particular movie. I find that criticism ridiculous. Since when do characters have to be likable? Blood and Wine is about loathsome criminals. We’re not supposed to identify with or cheer for scumbags like Vic and Alex. Quentin Tarantino made it cool to like bad guys, but real bad guys are pieces of shit that we should abhor. Blood and Wine works because its villains get what’s coming to them. Special praise goes to Michael Caine for his spot on portrayal of the repugnant Vic.

A scene from Blood and Wine: