Stormy Monday

Buy This Item Stormy Monday by MGM (Video & DVD)  Available from Amazon  $12.99  on 11-15-2008     Melanie Griffith oozes sensuality ('the Today Show ), while Oscar® winner* Tommy Lee Jones and rock legend Sting face off in a deadly game of cat and mouse in this sexy, extremely stylish film noir (Leonard Maltin). Written and directed by Mike Figgis (Leaving Las Vegas), Stormy Monday is a sizzling thriller that holds its audience rapt with the promise of imminent danger (The New York Times Corrupt businessman Frank Cosmo (Jones) arrives in Newcastle, England, determined to muscle his way into owning the entire town. On his payroll is Kate (Griffith)a tantalizing beauty Cosmo loans out when he wants a favor from the local officials. But when Kate's new lover ends up working for Cosmo's latest target (Sting), Kate must choose between the man who owns her and the man who has stolen her heart. *1993: Supporting Actor, The Fugitive Reader Reviews Having seen "Stormy Monday" many years ago, I was completely enchanted with this small and interesting picture. Nowadays, it is commonplace for every self-aware "cool" British crime drama to be embraced by American audiences. But in 1988, this stylish film from Mike Figgis was a bit more unorthodox. Where else can you get Sean Bean, Sting, Tommy Lee Jones, and Melanie Griffith together? It's such a weird amalgamation of acting styles, and yet somehow it works. This, I suppose, is a gangster flick at heart. But what I like about "Stormy Monday" is that the familiar crime elements are downplayed. There is action when needed, and some brutality--but you've also got a credible romance, a peak at the Polish subculture, a commentary on American commercialism, and a loving tribute to jazz. Music plays just as great a role in setting the tone of "Stormy Monday" as the plot does. It's cool and leisurely and the picture flows over you in comfortable waves. This movie doesn't try too hard, it's not designed to be in your face--it's subtle and smart. Sean Bean is great in the lead. Bean is someone I've always admired, but he never really connected in American roles as a leading man. Forever the villain or sidekick here--you have to turn to his British resume for his greatest performances (check out the Sharpe's saga). Melanie Griffith is subdued and believable in a somewhat sketchy part--we never know quite what she does. Tommy Lee Jones provides his usual bravado. And Sting is surprisingly good. For someone who only flirted with acting, this picture will show you a potential that went unrealized. "Stormy Monday" is definitely a small picture, but very worthy. It's an effective mood piece--one that may initially seem a bit slight, but it's effect lingers with you. KGHarris, 11/06.

Stormy Monday Available from Amazon Price: $12.99 Updated on 11-15-2008.

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