A Grande Arte
Posted By Randy on January 7, 2012
Many of the most entertaining movies I’ve ever seen are in the so called “B movie” category. There is a lot of absolute crap to be found there to be sure, but the number of true gems that one uncovers among them makes the hunt worth while.
Once upon a time, in my neck of the woods, there was a now demised movie rental business called Blockhouse Video. Killed off by obsolescence born of technological advancements, in its day that establishment could be relied upon to maintain a wondrously comprehensive selection of B movies, and among them is the discovery I am presenting today.
Released in Brazil under the title A Grande Arte, and for the North American market as Exposure, this grim 1991 film features a subtlety of violence rarely seen in main stream cinema. There is no deafening gunfire in concert with endless car chases here, and while some characters are undeniably repositories of sadistic psychosis, the action unfolds free from the typical Hollywood “explanation” that often portrays the study of blade based combative arts as synonymous with insanity.
Starring Peter Coyote as Photographer Peter Mandrake, the story is based on a novel by Rubem Fonseca, and tells the tale of the photographer’s hunt for the killer of one of his models. The incomparable Tchéky Karyo – an LFM favourite – stars as Hermes, the man who teaches Mandrake the mysteries of the blade.
Specific technical issues for the sake of dramatic effect notwithstanding, I forgive them all, and got a special chuckle out of the hushed delivery and colourful claims of the knife dealer, whose wares adorn the lead in to this article. This film is granted a resounding LFM seal of approval.
I have a slow computer connection, so have not been able to watch the whole movie yet. But enough to want to check it out. More movies and reviews from LFM, please!
Sorry to hear about the speed of your connection Gary. That tends to play hell with streaming video. Diana’s going to see what she can do for you by alternative means.
In the mean time, never fear. The movies and reviews will keep coming.
I remember this gem from way back. In fact it was the first time I ever saw Tcheky Karyo. I have to say that I made enough trips to my own small town rental shop that I ran the risk of wearing out that particular tape.
Neither Karyo nor Coyote was your typical action hero, but I think that made their training scenes and the fights so much better than they would have been with typical A-list pretty boys. I say bring on the B`s!