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It seems like every actor wants to start directing now. Some take
the high road and do something unconventional and some take the
low road, helming a film with a cliched screenplay. From Nicholas Cage
(Sonny), to Denzel Washington (Antwone Fisher), to George Clooney
(Confessions of a Dangerous Mind), acting-directing is now the latest
trend in Hollywood. Well, stepping out of Hollywood, but continuing
the trend is Matt Dillon. It's been over 20 years since he made his
mark as an actor in “The Outsiders” and now it’s his turn to do
the same as a writer-director with his directorial debut, “City of Ghosts.”
While his visionary aspects to the film are impressive due to its
location, the story itself is jaded with so many plot holes, comprehension
is lost.
Jimmy (Dillon) is an insurance salesman on the lam from the authorities
when investors lose their money in a scam pulled off by his mentor
and boss Marvin (Caan). Tracking him down wasn’t easy but his lead
takes him to Cambodia. Staying in a shady Belleville Hotel owned
by a Frenchman (Depardieu), Jimmy’s passport is quickly stolen and
his shades are taken away by a monkey. His only comfort is the support
he gets from a taxi driver named Sok (Kem) who guides him around
town and alerts him of the dangers that lie ahead. When Kaspar (Skarsgard),
Marvin’s business associates, shows up offering his aid to locate
Marvin, Jimmy senses he may be over his head in his search. There’s
another reason why Marvin fled which Jimmy realizes once his life
is threatened. Archeologist Sophie (McElhone) proves to be a welcome
relief for Jimmy, but as he gets closer finding Marvin and the truth,
his beliefs and life are about to be shattered.
As a director, Dillon should be credited with shooting the film
in Cambodia, which rarely happens nowadays. It’s beautifully shot,
as the landscapes illustrate a once-forgotten beautiful place. As
a writer, Dillon loses focus on the story as the main plot loses
itself amongst the many characters and their little agenda. There’s no
clear reason as why the character of Sophie is included aside from
being the lone female in the film. Depardieu and Skarsgard are actually
quite good in their supporting roles although there’s no character
development. Caan is so resigned in the film; he’s merely a blip
when he appears. The lone standout is Kem. Dillon wanted a real
Cambodian to play Sok, and Kem came through with flying colors in
his first time as an actor. “City of Ghosts” would be an interesting film
to see for the cinematography and the supporting roles where it
not for a confusing story that’s just messy and forgettable.
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