8MM (1999)
Nicolas Cage, Joaquin Phoenix, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener
A private investigator is hired to discover if a "snuff film" is authentic or not.
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Critics
R, 123 min.
Directed by:
Joel Schumacher
Release Date: Feb 26, 1999
DVD Release Date: May 22, 2001
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Flixster User Reviews
The theme of the movie was summed up in a line in the movie, and I felt like the creators were spoon-feeding it to me directly. I may be paraphrasing, but it went something like this:
"When you dance with the devil, the devil doesn't change; the dev... (read more) The theme of the movie was summed up in a line in the movie, and I felt like the creators were spoon-feeding it to me directly. I may be paraphrasing, but it went something like this:
"When you dance with the devil, the devil doesn't change; the devil changes you."
The entire movie is illustrating that sort of a point. Our hero has to delve into the underworld to find the answers he needs and he comes out the other end darker. Putting that idea into words in a line of dialogue reads as very silly. Did they think we missed it?
Also, the snuff film reel that the action centers around really isn't all that shocking. Nick Cage's flinching and over-the-top responses read as very silly to me.
Very harsh and hard to watch. Not a typical feeling for me when watching movies. This one i guess so realistic somehow.
Good thriller movie, not ordinary movie. Nicolas Cage here play as a human being who can be hit and killed, make us enjoy the scare and hate.
this film doesn't get as much credit as it deserves. its really dark, and suspenseful. although i agree its not a film for everyone, if you are interested in it, its worth checking out.
brutal, dark movie with yet another great Nic!eventually its cool to see how he is out to get the sickos, allong with the neccesary sick bits. good movie! (seen 3 times)
First off this is not an easy film to watch, it's all about the underground porn industry, and how far some people (if they pay), are willing to go. The plot is fine but it does seem to drag towards the end, there are no nice characters, even the her... (read more) First off this is not an easy film to watch, it's all about the underground porn industry, and how far some people (if they pay), are willing to go. The plot is fine but it does seem to drag towards the end, there are no nice characters, even the hero, Tom (if he is a hero), is hard to connect with. Tom played by Nicholas Cage is a cold character and even though his a family man, he doesn't come across very well, this maybe because his played by Cage. Cage has in the past played some great characters, Face/Off being his best, but he also has been in so many poor films, and he only seems to play the same person in every film. For a Hollywood film, this is very graphic, and I think a lot of people won't be able to stomach this film, but to be honest if you do put yourself through this film, you won't feel any better about the world or yourself. I understand why films like this are made, but to be honest I would steer clear from this film.
Critic Reviews
Director Joel Schumacher aims for a psychological depth that the script can't sustain.full review
It is a real film. Not a slick exploitation exercise with all the trappings of depravity but none of the consequences. Not a film where moral issues are forgotten in the excitement of an action climax.full review
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