‘Strange Days’ Was a Sci-Fi Flop for Ralph Fiennes, but Roger Ebert Loved It

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  • ‘Strange Days’ Shows Virtual Reality as a Drug
  • Ralph Fiennes and Others Make ‘Strange Days’ an Unforgettable Film
  • ‘Strange Days’ Is Not on Streaming?

These three films – The Godfather, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Back to the Future – are among a select few that have earned a perfect score of four out of four stars from esteemed critic Roger Ebert. It’s easy to see why: they resonate deeply with audiences, featuring relatable characters, cinematography that immerses us effortlessly into the story, and poignant moments that linger in our memories long after the movies end.

Contrary to what might seem reasonable, some films on Ebert’s most acclaimed list were significant commercial flops. For instance, a little-known science fiction thriller featuring Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett, and Juliette Lewis received a prestigious four stars from Ebert, but it only managed to recoup less than half of its production cost at the box office. Whoa.

As a cinephile, I’ve got some fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia about the 1995 movie “Strange Days.” Can you believe it? The screenplay was penned and produced by none other than James Cameron, who has also been acknowledged for films like “The Hurt Locker” (2008) and “Zero Dark Thirty” (2012). Kathryn Bigelow, known for her Academy Award-winning direction of these films, was at the director’s helm. Some argue that this film eerily foreshadowed the future, and perhaps they’re right. The movie tackles gritty topics like police brutality, a dystopian society, racism, and digital voyeurism, all set against the backdrop of 1999 Los Angeles.

‘Strange Days’ Shows Virtual Reality as a Drug

In the film “Strange Days,” previously a police officer and now an illicit dealer of memories and sensations, Lenny Nero (playing by Fiennes), along with his limousine driver and bodyguard Lornette “Mace” Mason (portrayed by Bassett), gradually expose a web of corruption involving crooked cops, unsavory entrepreneurs, sex workers, and intense desires. The movie, with its unique blend of cyberpunk elements in costumes, music, and camera work, can be seen as an innovative piece. However, the film’s most striking feature is Mace’s persistent transformation into the main character, while Lenny is depicted as being in a state of panic, his decisions clouded. Mace’s development as a femme fatale not only concludes the movie but takes the story to an entirely new level.

It’s apparent that the intricate theme (concealed within a somber cinematic atmosphere) of Strange Days eluded the general public during its mid-1990s cinema run. Some might argue that the film’s downfall was due to confused marketing strategies, as various genres were highlighted in press materials, leaving distributors uncertain about how to pitch it effectively. In his review, six days post-release, Ebert overlooked the disappointing box office performance and instead hailed Strange Days as a “technical masterpiece.” He praises cinematographer Matthew F. Leonetti and editor Howard Smith for immersing us in an alternate reality, but he delves deeper in lauding the core of this movie – its exploration of the potential impact of virtual reality on our tangible world, both beneficial and detrimental.

Ralph Fiennes and Others Make ‘Strange Days’ an Unforgettable Film

* It’s evident that Lenny is deeply affected by the challenges presented by this latest technology, as if it had consumed him entirely, echoing a part of his past linked to the SQUID technology. Two years ago, Fiennes captured the hearts of critics with his remarkable performance in Schindler’s List, and he once again delivers an emotionally resonant portrayal of a man who cherishes the disk more than anything else, viewing it as a twisted electronic comfort. Initially, Andy Garcia was considered for the role of this complex antihero, but Cameron made a wise decision in choosing Fiennes, as he brings out feelings of compassion and admiration for Lenny. This empathy is palpable when the camera focuses on his face, capturing him under the influence of the illegal memory player, revisiting the arms of his deceased lover, Iris.*

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* It’s clear that Lenny is grappling with the complications of this new technology, as if it has completely engulfed him, mirroring a piece of his past connected to SQUID. Two years ago, Fiennes captivated audiences with his exceptional performance in Schindler’s List, and he delivers another powerful portrayal of a man who values the disk above all else, seeing it as a distorted source of comfort. Originally, Andy Garcia was under consideration for this challenging role, but Cameron made an astute decision by selecting Fiennes, as he elicits feelings of sympathy and appreciation for Lenny. These emotions are evident when the camera zeroes in on his face, revealing him in the grip of the illegal memory player, reliving moments with his departed lover, Iris.*

In his critique, Ebert points out that Bigelow’s movie skillfully challenges assumptions by compelling viewers to ponder their role as witnesses to violence. Unlike Lenny’s rule against snuff films on SQUID disks, this film seems to contradict it by portraying such content. The more graphic scenes, including killings, sexual violence, and torture, are described as troubling and sorrowful rather than merely tense or stimulating for the senses. The emotional and psychological impact on the viewer while using the SQUID device becomes the main character’s vehicle, thanks to the combined effort of the crew in determining what to display on screen and the story’s focus on the SQUID’s influence.

‘Strange Days’ Is Not on Streaming?

In a remarkable transformation, the cast’s dedication combined with the skillful direction behind the scenes raises the film “Strange Days” above mere novelty, turning it into a narrative that has remained impactful for nearly 30 years. As previously stated, the character of Faith Justin, portrayed by Lewis, is a friend of Iris and the target of Lenny’s rescue from the grasp of the ruthless music tycoon Philo Grant (played by Michael Wincott). Given her real-life status as an alternative rock musician, Lewis’ captivating performances during “Strange Days” at Philo’s club truly hint at the actions that Lenny and Mace will take next. The law enforcement officers pursuing these two characters are played by Vincent D’Onofrio and William Fichtner.

The movie explores the shady underworld, yet the portrayal of intensely fanatical law enforcement characters by these two actors carries that same gritty vibe into the open world. Their power-hungry characters will test your patience. Remarkably, this versatile film spanning numerous genres is elusive, seemingly absent from any current streaming services. However, Roger Ebert’s glowing review is justified, and if you manage to find it in a physical copy, Strange Days is definitely worth watching.

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2025-01-05 07:31