moonspinner55 Review of American Perfekt

American Perfekt (1997)

Never released theatrically in the US--one look and you'll know why

[3/10 · 24 February 2002]

Robert Forster cuts loose playing a psychopathic psychiatrist (unfunny) who goes on a killing spree in the desert. Unusual movie with a provocative allure went unreleased in the US; in its desperate attempt to keep one step ahead of the audience, the film stagnates, becoming alienating and off-putting (with a role for Amanda Plummer that is downright humiliating). Writer-director Paul Chart is so busy aping other talents (like the Coen Brothers) that his own personality--if he indeed has one--fails to come through. Veteran filmmaker Irvin Kershner produced--and maybe should have directed as well. *1/2 from ****