Counterfeit

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A fascinating in-depth article about To Live and Die in LA. It’s really a character study, an examination of the character of Chance … and how the movie itself is a counterfeit … a phony standing in for the real thing (in its art direction, music, color scheme) … Friedkin pushing our limits, seeing how much we will accept. I’ve always thought it was under-rated but Michael’s fantastic article made me want to go back and take yet another look I’m a big fan of the film.

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10 Responses to Counterfeit

  1. red says:

    Incredible, right??

  2. JFH says:

    I LOVE that movie, even though I’ve only seen it once (and in a strange place, underneath the polar ice cap on a submarine just after getting off of a watch at midnight…)

  3. Emily says:

    I’ve actually just bookmarked it until I can print it out and sit somewhere cozy and take it in. I love it when you’re on a geek kick and you collide with someone who writes about it in detail. That movie is indeed so under-rated.

  4. red says:

    Emily – Yes, so under-rated. What I love about the essay is the thoughts on what is counterfeit – and how Friedkin is deliberately setting the entire movie up (and Chance’s character) as a counterfeit. The PLOT of the movie becomes its THEME and its look and its feel. God, that so rarely happens!! So what we think we are watching is a regular old buddy movie – a cop thriller – but there’s a darkness beneath the cliche that messes with our expectations (a very true thing, I think – that’s how I experience the film) …

    I also think his analysis of the car chase – as compared to the one in French Connection – and just standing on its own – is brilliant! Makes me want to see it again!

  5. red says:

    Sadly, the article makes no mention of my boyfriend Dean Stockwell, but I’ll try to get over it.

  6. Mitch says:

    Haven’t watched it in 20 years. I remember thinking “the critics got this movie SO wrong” when I first saw it…

    …and I haven’t thought much about it since.

    Might have to go find it again.

  7. red says:

    Mitch – Judging from the article I posted the movie execs got it wrong, too – they bought the surface of it, rather than what was ACTUALLY going on. They thought it was its plot outline: cop tries to avenge friend’s death. But when you look closer at Chance … is this a guy you want to root for?? The execs made Friedkin film a happy ending (which didn’t end up being used) – which is so ridiculous … but I feel like true fans of the film always saw thru that surface, and remembered the film as the gutsy uncompromising piece of work it is.

    Not to mention that car chase!!

  8. Emily says:

    That “happy” ending was so beeping stupid, it actually makes me angry to think about it.

  9. red says:

    I know! Dumbasses.

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