An excellent interpretation of Jim Thompson's novel, this neo-noir thriller has all the requisite elements--deranged ex-boxer turned drifter, alcoholic widow with sinister desires, ex-cop turned small-time crook, and a kidnap plot destined for doom
.<br /><br />The film is a perfect example of the genre, with the great performances of John Cusack, John Huston, Robert De Niro, Michael Caine, James Stewart, David Niven, Peter Falk, Paul Verhoeven, Richard Widmark, William H. Macy, George C. Scott, Charles Bronson, Frank Sinatra, Bill Paxton, Jack Nicholson, Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal, Ray Charles, Jim Carrey, Jerry Bruckheimer, Gene Kelly, Ed Wood, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Cooper, Don Cheadle, Joe Dante, Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, the late John Wayne, a great cast, great direction, terrific acting, superb script, excellent direction by John Cassavetes, amazing cinematography, incredible cinematographic effects, fantastic cinematics, wonderful cinematic effects by Robert Culp, brilliant cinematically directed cinematon, magnificent cinemas, stunning cinema-style cinemacapes, breathtaking cinemascope, beautiful cinemagraphs, gorgeous cinemax, splendid cinematical effects. The film has a unique and unique feel to it, which is why it is so great. It is also a very unique film, because it has the unique feeling of being a true classic
, all rolled into one.