La critique de James Berardinelli (fin)
Sean Penn gives a towering, intense performance as Eddie, getting into the character's skin and inhabiting him completely. It's an amazing turn and a frighteningly believable portrayal of an opportunist on the edge. Penn brings layers to his desperation that many lesser actors cannot conceive of, much less craft on the screen. Penn's three male co-stars -- Chazz Palminteri as the talentless actor whose chief ability is to whack people(women in particular) Kevin Spacey as the amoral but amusing Mickey, who's never without a dry comeback, and Gary Shandling as the oily Artie - are capable of holding their own in scenes with him, which is a testament to the strength of their performances.
On the female side, there are two successful examples of casting against type. Those who think of Meg Ryan as all sugar and spice will be surprised to see her in this role, where she radiates a slutty sexuality. And Anna Paquin (The Piano, Fly Away Home), perhaps following in Christina Ricci's footsteps, is effective as a vapid, oversexed girl who trades her body for a bed. Actually, it's almost a shame that Ryan and Paquin are so good - they make us want to see more of their characters.
Many viewers will have difficulty determining whether Hurlyburly is a black comedy or a tragedy. For, while the film contains its share of absurd and darkly comical moments, the overall portrait is a grim one. The characters are bottom-feeders - scum that prey off the weaknesses of others and revel in the bleakest aspects of the Hollywood culture. Hurlyburly would be easier to take if its portrayals weren't so dead-on. As with Your Friends and Neighbors, it's understandable if movie-goers leave the theater feeling unclean. 120 minutes with these people is enough to taint even the sunniest optimist.
My only complaint about the film is that it runs a little too long (although, at two hours, it's only two-thirds the length of the play). During the last half hour, as Eddie's search for meaning in life reaches its climax, the energy level drops off. With a little judicious pruning, Hurlyburly could have been even more powerful and disturbing than it is. Still, in a case like this, when every line is crafted (not just written), an unwillingness to cut is understandable. And, for the sheer pleasure of watching such virtuoso performances, it's worth the extra time.
