Wonderland (2003)

Ratare Uzant:

6.6/10   

Regizor:

James Cox

Writers (WGA):

James Cox (written by) &
Captain Mauzner (written by) ...

Release Date:

24 OCTOMBRIE 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Replica Esantion:

The '80s - unplugged. The murders - unveiled. The legend - unzipped.

Plot:

In the police investigation of a brutal crime scene, one man was at the center of it all: legendary porn star John Holmes.

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Police | Porn | John Holmes | Porn Star

Awards:

3 nominations

Comentarii uzant:

Interesting Account(s) Rather Than An Actual Story

Cast

Kate Bosworth	...	Dawn Schiller
Carrie Fisher	...	Sally Hansen
Val Kilmer	...	John Holmes
Kim Marriner	...	Reporter (as Kim Mariner)
Dylan McDermott	...	David Lind
Michael Pitt	...	Gopher (scenes deleted)
Alexis Dziena	...	Gopher's Girlfriend (scenes deleted)
Karen LaKritz	...	Bartender (as Karen Lakritz)
Steve Cox	...	Guy at Bar
Josh Lucas	...	Ron Launius
Louis Lombardi	...	Slim Jim
Franky G	...	Louis Cruz (as Franky G.)
Ted Levine	...	Sam Nico
Russell Sams	...	Cherokee
Chris Cioffi	...	Letterman Meathead

Cunoscut si ca:

The Wonderland Murders (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence/grisly images, pervasive drug use and language, some sexuality/nudity.

Lungime Film:

104 min

Tara:

USA | Canada

Limba:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Mixaj Sunet:

DTS | Dolby Digital

Certificare:

Canada:18A (Ontario) | Iceland:16 | USA:R (certificate #39469) | USA:TV-MA (TV rating) | Singapore:R21 (re-rating) | Singapore:R(A) | Netherlands:16 | Portugal:M/16 | Italy:VM14 | Argentina:16 | Australia:MA | Germany:16 | Hong Kong:III | Japan:R-15 | New Zealand:R18 | Norway:15 | UK:18

Filming Locations:

L.A.P.D. Hollywood Station - 1358 Wilcox Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Lions Gate Films

Stiati ca:

The actual police investigation tape of the crime scene is included as a special feature in the DVD release of the film.

Goofs:

Continuity: Dawn can be heard urinating into the soda can, but when she throws it out of the car, it sounds empty when it lands.

Quotes:

John Holmes: Three men partook in the robbery of Eddie Nash's house that morning. Two of them were killed at the Wonderland house the following night.
Billy Ward: What about the one that's still alive?
John Holmes: A dude from Sacramento, a biker. This guy is a stone cold killer, a liar, theft, and a rapist.
Billy Ward: What's his name?
John Holmes: David Lind. Don't believe a word he says!

Movie Connections:

References "Family Feud" (1976)

Soundtrack:

Girls on Film

Interesting Account(s) Rather Than An Actual Story

Cox's 'Wonderland' is about the gruesome Wonderland murders (obviously!) that took place in the early 80s. The murder case itself was never solved and remained a mystery. Sadly, the movie does not do much to to cast light on it but there are hints indicated what most likely has happened. It is more of an interesting account rather than an actual story where one event is told from the perspective of different characters: Ex-porn king turned junkie John Holmes (Val Kilmer), his girlfriend Dawn Shiller (Kate Bosworth), his estranged wife Sharon (Lisa Kudrow) and David Lind (Dylan McDermott).

'Wonderland' is quite well shot, with the chaotic camera-work and slick editing, use of music and visuals and effective sound. It is very graphic and includes real photographs from the crime scene. It does manage to create the feel of the early 80s that ended the craziness of the 70s. Val Kilmer seems to be an odd choice to play John Holmes. There is no physical resemblance. As a stand alone he acts well but does not have any nuances of Holmes. His portrayal of Holmes is inaccurate to say the least. Kate Bosworth is quite alright. I didn't find the love story between the two that engaging. Dylan McDermott does not seem to be completely in character. In spite of having a small role, Lisa Kudrow delivers the best performance. It was very nuanced and natural. Josh Lucas does alright but at times he seems a little too loud. There are several more familiar faces.

Before watching the film, I had very limited knowledge of the notorious murders but after seeing the movie, I did more research and understood how gruesome and horrifying it was. 'Wonderland' tries to portray the event in an accurate way but those who are looking for a closed ending will be disappointed. As I stated earlier, it does give a hint as to what most likely happened.