Is there an actor who makes more frustrating choices in movie roles than Nicolas Cage? The list of action/sci-fi movies (that range from utterly horrible to guilty pleasures at best) he's starred in since 2000 includes Knowing, Next, Bangkok Dangerous, Ghost Rider, The Wicker Man, National Treasure 1&2, Windtalkers, and Gone in 60 Seconds. No one is gonna blame the guy for wanting a big paycheck but a little discretion couldn't hurt. On the other hand there are the fantastic movies he's done that show off his formidable acting talent. Adaptation, Matchstick Men, Lord of War and The Weather Man are all excellent films that admittedly have very little commercial value. Add to that list Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans. Teaming up with acclaimed director Werner Herzog (Rescue Dawn, Grizzly Man, Aguirre: Wrath of God) in a very loose (the name and dealing with a corrupt cop being the only relation) "remake" of Abel Ferrara's 1992's Bad Lieutenant, Cage gives one of the best performances of his career.
The movie deals with Lieutenant Terrence McDonagh (Cage) who injures his back early in the film, becomes addicted to painkillers and embarks down a dangerous path of corruption and drug addiction. He is put in charge of a brutal murder investigation while attempting to balance his addictions, all the while attempting to maintain respect from his commanding officer, fellow policemen (including Val Kilmer) and his prostitute girlfriend (Eva Mendes). The basic plot is very episodic in nature and pretty generic.
What's not generic is Cage's performance and the direction of Herzog. Cage is allowed what seems like unlimited free reign to overact to the highest degree. His facial expressions, ever changing voice, hunchback mannerisms and general demeanor would be out of place in 99 percent of all movies but here it works to perfection. All the supporting performances are excellent as well but this is completely Cage's show from start to finish. I can't think of any other actor who would be more effective or engrossing in this role.
Herzog himself makes some very unusual choices in shots and in music. There are numerous times when Iguanas and other reptiles scroll across the screen and it's completely left up to the viewer to determine if they are actuly there or if they are just McDonagh's drug induced hallucinations. At point Herzog has the camera drift completely away from the action and be shown from the point of view of a crocodile. It doesn't add anything to the story line but it definitely has an affect on the feel of the movie. While these choices could easily derail the film thay actually enhance the feeling of insanity that is prevalent throughout.
BLPCNO is not a movie that is going to be overly satisfying as a high-def transfer. Colors bleed intentionally and the movie is shot in a dreamlike haze that gives it a soft appearance. The blu-ray does accurately represent what I remember seeing in theaters so any flaws are directly related to Herzog's directorial decisions. Audio wise it's a dialogue driven film and there are not many big action scenes. The audio track sounds fine but isn't going to give your system a workout.
I fully acknowledge that this will not be a film for everyone. It's very weird, doesn't have much in the way of plot and the pacing can drag from time to time. The best comparison I can make is to American Psycho. Much like that movie this must be viewed as a black comedy. If you go into this looking for a cop movie you will come away completely bewildered and unsatisfied. BLPCNO is one of the best movies of last year, Cage's performance is mesmerizing and Herzog's direction holds it all together even when the movie is bursting at the seems with insanity. I can't promise that you will understand everything that is happening (I certainly didn't) but I can promise you won't forget it.
Ratings
Movie 4.5/5
Blu-ray 3.5/5
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