Scotland, PA (2001)

I am not often swayed to rent and even less, write about those movies you see on the shelves of video rental places sporting those funny little logos that surround their covers. Usually these markings indicate that they are some kind of 'special' movie. From my own experience, that marking signifies the movie is a 'dog.' I have rented one or two of these in my 25 years of video watching. Often, I found myself wondering whether I was culturally deficient, and on the other hand, amazed at what some people in the business get away with under the guise of being amateurs.Anyway, on a recent evening when I could not find anything to satiate my video yen, I took the advice of the video store clerk, who knows of my esoteric interests. He suggested one of those 'bordered' movies. Rather than succumb to inevitable boredom, which for me is not having anything new to watch, I gave in to his hype and rented Scotland PA. Wouldn't you know It turns out to be one of the freshest, most hip movies I have screened recently. For what it is, a dark comedy (ala Macbeth) you will find this one right on the mark.Remember Christopher Walken? He is alive and well, at least in this movie. If you are a fan of his, you'll appreciate what he does to make it work. The first time I encountered him was way back in 1983. The name of the movie was BRAIN SCAN, also starring Natalie Wood and Cliff Robertson, that guy who did endless AT&T commercials in the late '70s & early 80's. He was around before that, in many short lived TV series. His most outstanding movies include, The Deer Hunter, Pulp Fiction, True Romance and Disney's The Country Bears. An enduring, diverse and very talented actor.In Scotland, PA. Chris plays an investigator probing in to the Fry-o-later murder of a local eatery owner played by James Le Gros. Crispy! The plot is intricate and does well with the ensemble cast that make this story set in the '70s, move swiftly. It demands most of your attention, because you might miss something if you turn your head. If you like the 70's music of 3 Dog Night, Bad Company, Janis Ian, First Class and others, the soundtrack is essential. The music audio in the movie sounds a little weird, it could have been cleaner. You will even see some footage of Mark Spitz unfold in this great piece of mystery/comedy. The direction and cinematography separate this from a B offering and may make you wonder why New Line or even Columbia did not pick up this Sundance goo-die.Scotland, PA. Is the kind of movie you watch alone, so you can laugh crazily and really enjoy yourself. You do not want to constantly be looking to see if anyone else is getting the humor. It goes too fast for that. There probably is not an actor or actress in the movie you have not seen somewhere else, and that makes it even better. Besides, it is a great one to have long, knowing conversations about when you meet someone else that has seen it. My favorites are the marijuana fairies that show up throughout the flick! Something for everybody, and today, that is an accomplishment. Thank you 'all knowing' video store clerk. I owe you one.

Unfortunately, the few other reviewers were expecting Caddyshack or something. This is a Black Comedy, and it is very good. The scenes are quick and engaging. The actors are well suited for their characters. The Duncan brothers could have their own sequel. Christopher Walken is very sly and humorous, shaking his castanetta's while trying to solve a murder. If it was not made aware to you, this is a 1980's version of Macbeth, with Maura Tierney and James LeGros playing the scheming murderous couple, the McBeths. A hamburger restaurant is at the center of the action, with the McBeths being willed the restaurant from their former boss, Mr. Duncan. The cinematography very much captures Pa., as well as the sets. Two final comments. The soundtrack was one of the best I have heard in years. Bad Company songs make up about half of it, with sprinklings of other ditties included as well. The second and most important is that Maura Tierney steals this film. Every scene she is in, you are transfixed to her. Her actions, her (in some cases) vulgarity and her great acting makes this her showcase. The scene with her and the pharmacist at the end is hysterical as she attempts to remove a burn from her hand which has long since healed. Bravo Maura and Bravo to this little movie that SHOULD have been a bigger success. Shakespeare adaptation not withstanding, you do not need to be familiar with the Bard to enjoy this film.

This film is full of quirk, which I love. The one liners alone made the movie all worth it. 'The foul was foul' 'And the fair was fair' I'll admit this film isn't for everyone. But I laughed the whole way through. It was also refreshing to see James LeGros and M. Tierney playing characters so out of type. 'And I don't want one of those baby s**t-a** tubes, I need a vat of it'. Like the classic it was penned to mimic, it delivered a great story of envy, greed, betrayal and karmic redemption. Christopher Walken aside, I was surprised at what a first time filmmaker and what I'd consider a bunch of B-list actors could do. 'Mr. McBeth come take a look at your wife's beautiful cones!' If you like quirk and Bad Company, this movie is for you.

Scotland PA presumes you've read MacBeth or seen MacBeth. It's necessary. If you haven't seen the play or read the play, you probably won't like the movie. If you have seen the play or read the play, and you expect the movie to be a faithful remake, you'll be disappointed. This movie is deliberate in the liberties it takes with the DEVELOPMENT of the plot, while remaining true to the plot itself. IF: You know the play, and enjoy the story, you may like this movie.If you also identify with either the 1970s or Pennsylvania rural life, you'll enjoy the movie. If you are interested in seeing a movie that combines a classic, familiar story with a unique style and modern film making wit, and most of all, if you are willing to watch a movie that has emotion, irony, style, and poise, you'll enjoy Scotland PA.