Writer/Director: Oliver Stone
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many stars have made films audiences treasure like Robert Downey Jr. Ever since his rise to recognition in the 1990’s, RDJ has become a beloved icon. Whether it is bold political leaders, starkly rich billionaires or strong news reporters, Robert Downey Jr. has portrayed many characters. Arguably, Robert Downey Jr.‘s finest strength as an actor has always been his commemorated commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has commonly had aptitude for stealing a show in supporting roles which have limited screen time. Although he is best known for his role as Iron Man in the MCU, RDJ has suggested he can excel in every genre. Through his abilities to portray powerful characters that are compelling, RDJ has established a legacy that’s lasting. Throughout a long lasting career, RDJ has appeared in memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a big fan of Robert Downey Jr. and love all the films that he has made in his career. However, “Natural Born Killers” is truly my favourite. Released in 1994, Oliver Stone’s movie offered a powerful portrait of serial killers facing adversity. Packed with strong production design, exciting storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the greatest serial killer movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robert Downey Jr., who portrays a sadistic killer. Ultimately. What makes “Natural Born Killers” a classic is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about serial killers, it discusses strong themes that everyone will relate to. A captivating masterpiece about serial killers, there are many strong reasons why “Natural Born Killers” is a commemorated movie that is worth watching.
“Natural Born Killers” follows lovers that are born to be serial killers. Woody Harrelson plays Mickey Knox, a psychopath that has a menacing nature. Mickey is haunted by his traumatic past that has shaped his identity. Assisted by his wife Mallory (Juliette Lewis), Mickey embarks on a journey to become a serial killer that causes adversity. However, Mickey’s life dramatically changes when he discovers the consequences of becoming a serial killer. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Mickey begins to wonder whether it’s truly possible for him to achieve dreams of being a killer. Faced with a grim dilemma, Mickey questions if it’s truly possible for him to overcome trauma.
Oliver Shone has always been fascinated by the theme of trauma. A fantastic filmmaker, Stone has often made engaging films about traumatized individuals facing disaster. His award-winning movie “Born on the Fourth of July” offered a powerful portrait of veterans facing traumatic obstacles that terrify. With “Natural Born Killers”, however, Stone made his first ever serial killer film. It was Stone’s first attempts to capture the lives of serial killers facing adversities but he succeeded. Through captivating cinematography, Stone captures a pair of serial killers experiencing adversity. Evoking Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs”, Stone captures a pair of serial killers using point of view shots. For instance, POV shots elevate the serial killers introductions scene. During this memorable scene. Mickey and Mallory embark upon an adventure across the country. Using point of view shots, Stone creates a portrait of serial killers that’s engaging. POV shots are tricky. As Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” did prove clearly, POV shots enhance biopics. However, it works immensely. Using strong visuals, Stone captures the tensions which serial killers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Natural Born Killers” that is worthy of appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it is an extremely well made film. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”, Stone expertly uses cross-cutting to capture tensions that serial killers are often facing. For instance, the cross-cutting enhances the serial killer encounter scene. During this unforgettable scene, Mickey and his girlfriend experience a dilemma when they are caught by police for their crimes. Using cross-cutting, Stone constructs a portrait of serial killers which is compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Brent Lewis’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the burdens that serial killers bear. Through captivating production, Stone captures the serial killers facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Natural Born Killers” is a film about serial killers that’s compelling. The film is expertly written, and expertly uses silence to capture serial killers impacted with acts of violence. For instance, silence elevates the murders aftermath scene. During this unforgettable scene, Mickey and his girlfriend experience tension affecting their relationship together. Through silence, Stone created a portrait of serial killers which audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique. As the Russo Brothers’ “Avengers: Endgame” suggested clearly, silence enhances comic book films. David Fincher’s “Zodiac” illustrated silence enhances movies about journalism. That being said, it works immensely. Through a bold screenplay, Stone captures lives of serial killers that experience a painful price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Robert Downey Jr. delivers one of his best career performances as Wayne. RDJ first earned praise for playing starkly wealthy millionaires in comic-book movies. With “Natural Born Killers”, however, RDJ took upon his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a serial killer that faced adversity but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With phenomenal expressions, he captures the ambitions, bravery and resentments of a serial killer facing tensions. It’s a stellar performance from one of the most commemorated stars in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for RDJ, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of praise. Woody Harrelson is wonderful, capturing determination of an ominous serial killer that commits murder causing tension. Juliette Lewis is superb, capturing the regret of a woman seeking committing murders that are impossible to forget. Lastly, Tommy Lee Jones deserves appreciation. As a small town sheriff, he brings tension to the film.
Finally, “Natural Born Killers” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing born killers. Unlike most films about serial killers, it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes such as ambition, grief and mental health which will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the lives of killers to enjoy it. It delivers meaningful message regarding trauma that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Natural Born Killers” is one of those rare movies about killers everyone will adore.
Fans of Robert Downey Jr. will absolutely enjoy “Natural Born Killers” and so would audiences seeking crime entertainment. A captivating serial killer thriller, it honours an actor with a charismatic nature.
Nearly 30 years following the release of an iconic film about serial killers that commit gruesome murder, it’s a riveting reminder about a legendary actor that has created a lasting legacy through his capability to play dark characters in danger which audiences treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 