MovieChat Forums > The Kill-Off (1990) Discussion > Remarkable movie

Remarkable movie

posted 14 years ago by Simon50
1 reply | jump to latest

could very well be the best Jim Thompson adaptation so far. what a shame that it never received much distribution in the united states. Great script, great acting. The cast were unknowns but so what? The main factor that I think hurt the film's commerciality was that the leads were - how should I put this? - not very attractive physically. Or at least not photographed to appear very attractive. I think the public will buy repulsive characters committing repulsive acts - but will draw the line if the characters aren't at least physically appealing.

[–] Joseph_Gillis 13 years ago

I saw it on its UK cinema release, in 1990.
I think its release was helped by a then current vogue for adaptatations of the then recently re-discovered Jim Thompson.

I think its probably the best English language Thompson adaptation, although two French film adaptations, of the two best of the 8 or so novels I've read, might be better
(i.e. 'Coup De Torchon (Pop.1280), and 'Serie Noire (Hell of a Woman)

I was greatly disappointed by the director's next feature, though.

"Where's the rest of me??... Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.!"