Director: Tony Scott
Starring: Gary Oldman, Christian Slater and Val Kilmer
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors have achieved recognition of Gary Oldman. Since his recognition in the 1990’s, Oldman has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s political leaders, commanding police officers or magical prisoners, Oldman has portrayed many compelling characters. Arguably, Oldman’s greatest strength as an actor has always been his commitment to his craft. Through his approach of method acting, Oldman has played larger than life characters that are always compelling. A British icon, Oldman has become an actor which audiences cherish. Despite reaching an age of retirement, Oldman hasn’t lost his passion for making entertainment. Although he‘s most known for playing Gordon in The Dark Knight trilogy, Oldman has proven he can make memorable films in every genre. Throughout his long-lasting career, Oldman has made many memorable films which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Oldman and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “True Romance” is my favourite. Released in 1993, Tony Scott’s movie offered a powerful portrait of drug addicts. Packed with strong set design, engaging storytelling and superb acting, it’s one of the best films ever made about drug addiction. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Gary Oldman, who portrays a drug addict that experiences crime tension. Ultimately, what makes “True Romance” a masterpiece is broad appeal. Unlike most movies about drug addicts, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about drug addiction, there are several strong reasons why “True Romance” is a movie that’s worth watching.
“True Romance” tells the story about a drug addiction in a true romance. Christian Slater portrays Clarence, a drug addict with talent for selling cocaine. Clarence has often had talent for selling cocaine for profitable gain. However, Clarence’s life changes when he marries a hooker in a romantic relationship facing disaster. Alabama (Patricia Arquette) is a hooker with a strong sense of charisma. Seeking financial success, Clarence sells his drugs to dangerous criminals (Gary Oldman causing stress. As all odds become stacked against his favour, Clarence questions if it is possible for him to overcome the obstacles of being a drug dealer.
Tony Scott has always been fascinated with themes of drug addicts. A fantastic director, Scott has often made engaging films about drug addicts which face disaster. With “True Romance”, however, Scott directed his first ever crime drama. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of drug addicts facing adversities, but he succeeded. Using captivating cinematography, Scott captures a drug addict that embarks on treacherous journeys. Taking inspirations from Brian De Palma’s “Scarface”, Scott successfully uses handheld camera to capture obstacles drug addicts often face. For instance, handheld camera enhances the drug addiction scene. During this intense scene, Clarence has his first drug deal causing tension. Through the handheld camera. Scott captures addicts facing a dilemma. Handheld camera is a tricky technique. As Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” suggested, handheld camerawork enhances comic-book films. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through stunning visuals, Scott captures tensions addicts are facing.
Another strong aspect of “True Romance” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is well made. Inspired with Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas”, Scott expertly uses costumes to capture the lives of drug addicts facing dilemmas. Throughout the film, Clarence’s costumes showcase his transformation into a drug kingpin. For instance, the costumes elevate the drug violence scene. During this unforgettable scene, Clarence engages in a drug deal gone wrong that causes disaster. Through stunning costumes, Scott creates a portrait of drug use that proves compelling. Moreover, the musical score is marvellous. Hans Zimmer’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the painful burden that drug addicts bear. Through powerful production, Scott created an extraordinary portrait of addiction.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Gary Oldman deliver one of his best career performances as Drexl. Oldman earned appreciation for portraying cops in crime dramas. With “True Romance”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a drug addict facing adversities, but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Oldman has often thrived at playing emotional characters which are under pressure, and “True Romance” proves his strengths as an actor. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, grief and resentment of a drug addict enduring tensions. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Gary Oldman, the supporting cast is also amazing and deserving of appreciations. Christian Slater is spectacular, capturing charismatic nature of a drug dealer that falls in love in a doomed relationship that causes grim disaster. Patricia Arquette is amazing, capturing the regret of a woman that falls in love in tense relationships that causes regret. Lastly, Brad Pitt deserves appreciation. As a sharp heroin addict, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “True Romance” would earn praise of everyone for capturing lives of addicts in a doomed romance. Unlike most films about addiction, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including courage, jealousy and addictions that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with lives of drug addicts to appreciate it. It delivers a strong message regarding addiction which will truly resonate among everyone. Therefore, “True Romance” is one of those rare crime movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Gary Oldman would definitely enjoy “True Romance” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A bold masterpiece about addiction, it honours an actor with dedication.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking crime film about drug addicts engaging in true romance causing an issue, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate audiences manufacturing unforgettable movies throughout his impressive career which audiences value.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 