The Limey

TIFF [1999]

Full size poster

Directed by Steven Soderbergh. Produced by John Hardy and Scott Kramer. Written by Lem Dobbs.

Starring: Terence Stamp, Peter Fonda, Lesley Ann Warren, Luis Guzman, Barry Newman

(Special Presentations programme)

If there's any justice in the film universe, Blair Witch wizards Artisan Entertainment will score another major hit this coming fall with their release of Steven Soderbergh's intense, visually dazzling new genre-bender, The Limey.

THE STORY:

Immediately upon his release from prison, 60 year-old Wilson (Terence Stamp) flies to Los Angeles to avenge the apparent murder of his estranged daughter Jenny. He is haunted by memories of his own criminal past, and of the joy the girl brought to his life in their few moments together. Immediately, Wilson tracks down the ex-con (Luis Guzman) who initially sent him the newsclipping of the girl's death. Guzman is afraid to speak up, but tells Wilson his daughter was having an affair with Terry Valentine, a slimy record producer (Peter Fonda). Wilson dispatches several of Valentine's cronies in a quick, methodical bloodbath, and tells the lone survivor to inform Valentine that he's got his number. Wilson hooks up with his daughter's acting coach, an aging actress (Lesley Ann Warren), who tells him his daughter often spoke of him fondly. Cowardly Valentine becomes aware of Wilson's vendetta, and after several unsuccessful attempts to stop his pursuer, flees with his newest jailbait girlfriend, and his bodyguard (Barry Newman), to his seaside retreat. But Wilson, a man poisoned by rage and a stranger-in-a-strange-land and time, will not stop until justice is served. But when faced with the moment of truth, will he go through with it? Ultimately, is it vengeance the seemingly cold-blooded Wilson wants, or merely answers?

The Limey review

Reviews:All the RageBreakfast of ChampionsGamera 3: Revenge of IrisJakob the LiarMusic of the HeartPrincess MononokeThe Big Brass Ring The LimeyThe War Zone