Revengers Tragedy

Rating:
Summary: "Whose fault is this catastrophe?" - Derek Jacobi (the Duke)
Review: Alex Cox's ninth full-length feature is arguably his finest work since Highway Patrolman and the great Walker. This could largely be credited in the respect of the material being more personal to the director. His passion for the Jacobean play and for Spaghetti Westerns both shine brightly on this picture. And as can be guaranteed on each of this greatly-underappreciated artist's films, his style and wicked satirical humor are in full force here - in the Revengers Tragedy. This simple, and yet nasty tale of revenge written by a contemporary of William Shakespeare's with themes of love, sex, family, political decadence, and incest, and splendid dialogue from the original play by author Thomas Middleton and screen adapter Frank Cottrell Boyce features extraordinary performances, especially by Eddie Izzard, Christopher Eccleston, Andrew Schofield (Johnny Rotten in Cox's Sid and Nancy), and the immortal Derek Jacobi. Cox, himself, plays a small role as the Duke's driver, sporting a great haircut.

Ambitioso (Justin Salinger): "There's no advantage in the killing of a younger brother!"

Alex's eccentric approach to storytelling is usually bound to throw off newcomers to his work, or casual movie-watchers whom are accustomed to a more typical and financially refined (by Hollywood standards) picture. Also, and largely, Alex's sarcasm tends to get misunderstood despite its value in intelligence and sometimes beauty, which is strong in this picture, partially because of the material, as it was in Walker - a film which went so unappreciated and so disliked that Cox was shunned by the Hollywood studios thereafter. Ironically, that film remains his towering masterpiece. So for those interested in the Revengers Tragedy I would recommend to watch the picture at least twice before you make up your mind on its merits. Actually, having seen it four times thus far, and having heard the commentary and watched the fantastic extra features supplied by Fantoma I have grown fonder of the film. And I had thoroughly enjoyed it upon my initial viewing of it, late last year. The score by Chumbawamba is terrific.

"Farewell to all... He that climbs highest has the greatest fall. My tongue is out of office."

Rating:
Summary: Revenger's Tragedy
Review: Once again Alex Cox has brought us a magical piece of cinama. I cannot come up with adequate words to express how wonderful this film is. With Hollywood spending millions every day on fluff, Alex Cox has to scrounge for every penny to make masterpieces. Do your soul a favor and buy this movie and watch it over and over again. The fact that films like this never come to theaters is criminal and obsene. The world is a better place because of Alex Cox and the brilliant artists and crews who bring us films like this one. To Alex and all who help him with his work, please don't ever stop making movies for us. We are waiting and relishing every effort that makes it to the screen and will do all that we can to support your work.