Buffalo '66 (1998)

He’s self-aware enough to write this character. Not self-aware enough to not become him.

Oddly mesmerizing. I’m left with a lot of questions about the director’s intent - especially given the behind-the-scenes drama with the cast, particularly Christina Ricci.

It’s clear from the movie that Vincent Gallo knows he’s writing a deplorable, despicable, moronic character. Billy is incapable of being a kind, decent person with empathy. He’s pathetic, small, condescending. And yet Gallo behind the scenes appears to have gone full method, replicating the same issues his character creates during the actual production. Which seems crazy. Like he’s self-aware enough to write this guy, but not self-aware enough to stop himself from becoming him. I don’t know what to do with that.

I love how small this movie is. I love Christina Ricci - she’s magnetic even when her character’s motivations remain opaque to me. I don’t fully understand why Layla goes along with this idiotic plan or eventually falls for Billy, but I can understand that there’s a type of person drawn to adventure and glimpses of hidden humanity. The drive to “fix” someone. I get it, even if I don’t fully buy it.

Gallo’s performance is incredible. I get why he has fans. I also know his fanbase online is pretty rancid.

The bowling alley tap dance scene is stunning - those new wave elements sprinkled throughout really work. And the bullet time sequence during the final imagined shootout was so effective for me. The violence that doesn’t happen. The choice not to.

It’s a mesmerizing movie. Really well written, incredible style, great performances. I loved it. I just have questions I can’t resolve.

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