MovieChat Forums > Something Wild (1986) Discussion > Extreme tonal shift in this film

Extreme tonal shift in this film

posted 10 years ago by Jimbo_BSD
15 replies | jump to latest

This film has one of the most extreme tonal shifts you'll see in a film. The whole first act is light, fun and whimsical. You're on a ride with this kinda crazy woman and a straight laced family man.

The third act is extremely violent and dark. A crazed criminal kidnaps his estranged wife and beats the family man. Culminating in a wild scene where Daniels nearly strangles Liotta with handcuffs and finally stabs him as he's beating Griffin.

You don't find many films that take you on a such an extreme journey.

[–] htownsteve 10 years ago

great observation. i agree 100%. I remember thinking this movie was stupid 20 years ago. I gave it another shot tonight, and DAMN! Not at all like I remember.
It's like Police Academy turning into Taxi Driver. Glad I gave it another shot.

Son, you can't polish a turd

[–] Eddie_Fingers 9 years ago

It was an extremely well-executed shift. It takes a gifted storyteller to pull off something like that. It's remarkable how well it worked.

[–] coolbrett 9 years ago

Yeah it started out as a fun adventure kinda movie and then suddenly turned in to a horror movie. You never would have guessed during the first third or so.

[–] onhusk 9 years ago

I knew nothing about this movie going in. Now it's one of my 2-3 favorites of all time, but the tone shift is executed so incredibly, that it is beyond remarkable. The way the music and lighting change as Ray kind of flows into frame is amazing. It still gets me every time.

[–] shawnpowell1973 9 years ago

Amen!! That's why it's my #2 favorite film of the 80's

[–] TheHungryAndAngryShow 9 years ago

For me the tonal shift is too much, there were already dark elements in the film, you knew things were not ok in Lulu's life, and there would be some problems, but it was a bit much for me, and normally I am fine with dramatic turns and violence. But I wanted it to stay light this time, or at least more comically dark, not violently dark. I think Desperately Seeking Susan and After Hours did this a lot better. But I did like the film, just didn't love it like those other two.

[–] Dan_Garten 8 years ago

Oh.

[–] chefjoseph 8 years ago

uhhh... S P O I L E R !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[–] RobbieCalifornia 8 years ago

A total spoiler recap! C'mon.

I've seen it a dozen times anyway. Love it. Love the total change mid-film. Melanie Griffith was spectacular in this movie. Jeff Danieks was great too.

But from the minute I saw Ray Liotta for the first time, I couldn't take my eyes off him. He was dynamite, scary, sexy. What a fun movie.

[–] WatchingYouReadThis 8 years ago

With the pg 13 rating being newly introduced around this time period, the first few scenes feels like it's something the adults can enjoy, and kids mid get a kick out of it too. Then Melanie Griffith's boobs show up, with a man being stabbed not too far off.

Not uneven, but certainly a surprising beat. And, as much as I appreciate the female body, how great would it of been to keep it quirky and relatively clean up until that final moment? Sunshine and lollipops, then stab stab stab!