Shades (1999)

I honestly don't understand why everyone hates this movie. I can see why Mickey Rourke took the project. This film came onto my radar because I am a "foreign film" fan and I thought, "hell, Mickey Rourke is in it...it can't be all bad." So I ordered it. I was pleasantly surprised. It was an exploration of the film business as a business. That's what this film is about, ultimately. It isn't about anything else. The plot line is simply a hook to get people to watch it -- this is a movie about what it's like to make a movie, and more importantly, what it takes to make it in "Hollyood". I took 2 stars away from the total because Bervoets is so annoying that he makes me want to enter menopause early and get it over with. After watching the film, I understood completely why Mickey Rourke did the movie (and it wasn't just for the job or the money, which he probably desperately needed at the time.) Mickey carries the film, cast and crew (including make up artists and key grips all the way through from beginning to end. This film is a lesson in "Hollywood-ese" and "Hollywood Bullshit". It was probably cathartic for Rourke to do it, to experience, even if it is just in a very small way, what it's like to have to direct himself! He saw it as an opportunity in therapy, to walk a mile in another mans shoes. He also got the experience of telling the truth about where his career was at, at the time. (Scene: "Look, there's a reason you and I are here in Belgium, doing this little movie and it's cuz we're not on top anymore" (or something to that effect.)His scene with Michelle in his hotel room where he tells her to cut it out, and that at the "end of the day, you'll just be a two dollar whore" is spot on the money. And he's clearly not justtalking about actresses, or even the movie business in general. (Although that was probably his "motivation", if you will forgive the reference.) He's talking about YOU, or ME, or anyone, who does what they do, so they can just take the next rung on the ladder. When he tells Lily, the makeup artist, not to sleep with the star, his voice has the ring of truth to it...the sound of a man who's seen it all before: a crew member with stars in her eyes about to get used and abused by a "leading man". He looks at her with true pity and compassion --- like someone who has already seen the outcome of such a situation and he's genuinely trying to spare her the pain, because he thinks she's actually a nice person who probably doesn't deserve it.In an interview with 'Inside the Actor's Studio", Mickey Rourke said that if he hadn't been an actor, he would have probably been a contractor (i.e. construction). Truly, there is a God, since that did NOT happen. Thank you God, for giving us Mickey Rourke.I have not found any proof of what I am about to say, but I would be willing to lay down a paycheck, that Mickey Rourke not only had a hand in the script, but that he also "consulted" on this movie, for the actual director, in how the "real world" of Hollywood "works". Mickey has to be the most under-valued, under-rated and un-appreciated actors/thespians of all time, and all because he refuses to bow to the golden calf that is the Academy. God bless Mickey Rourke....he's not just another artist. He's a true Artist, capital A, in a world of mediocre assholes (captial A) This movie proved it. What a waste. Decent script, but Mickey Rourke carries the whole movie. And you will probably enjoy it, if you want to know what film-making and the politics and the bullshit are all about. This film will give it to you, on a silver platter, served by Mickey Rourke. Good on ya Mickey. (PS --nice little scene also, with Loki, Mickey's favorite dog...she has a nice cameo!)I hope you take the chance on this one. I'm not sure what Mickey Rourke himself thinks of it, but if he ever sees this, I hope he will take my compliment in the spirit its intended: F'em , Mickey. You're right, and they're wrong. And you told the truth. God bless ya!

The first (and only) time I saw "Shades" was during a Sneakpreview. It hadn't even been in premiere. I remember there was someone of the directors staff there, don't even remember who. It was a Belgian movie, we never heard of it, so we were quite neutral, not knowing what to expect. Mickey Rourke is a brilliant actor and he's stands miles ahead all the rest. He plays an actor who's star has long stopped rising. He's helping to realise a movie in Belgium entitled "Shades".As soon as the movie started, we noticed how much swearing there is. Nothing against the occasional swear word. However this was way beyond annoying. Whenever Rourke uses the F*** word to express something, it comes naturally. However, when someone from the cast, a non-English speaker uses the F**** or S*** word, it becomes arrogant and aggressive.We quickly lost count of how many times they used the F and S words. Everybody was just glad to be out of the theatre. And we had to give a vote, but it was hard for us because it was only from 0 to 10, and we were looking for the -10.

The film stars Mickey Rourke as a director on a foreign low-budget flick, that covers the story of a famous serial killer. Things get messy and interesting when the media, co-producers, and the real serial killer want a piece of the action. There is some good acting and the movie has this artificial light which works really well in this kind of movie in movie concept.

This film was shot in my home town, the main reason I went to see it. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. While certainly not a masterpiece, 'Shades' is a treat for two reasons : its mild albeit funny comment on the film industry and its unashamed 'American' approach. Its main aim is to entertain, and if it manages to work on quite a few levels along the way, who's gonna complain? A smart blend of fact and fiction, it focuses on the filming of the life of serial killer Freddy Lebeck -who, as Belgian viewers may note, looks an eerie lot like real-life mass murderer Freddy Horion. He, for one, is famous for never taking of his shades. Slick and fast-paced direction makes for a flashy thriller, and although no-one in it will be winning an Oscar any time soon, the many jokes and winks will help to hold your attention until the very end -which, I will reveal, is pretty original in comparison to what Belgian cinema has been calling conclusions lately. Add to this the admirable quality to poke fun at itself, and it's perfect for a rainy day.