Dennis Hopper has been involved in movies for more than fifty years now. He is a man that has taken chances in his choices of roles, and as a director. "The Hot Spot", based on Nona Tyson's novel, and with a screen play by Charles Williams seems to be the kind of project that would attract him. In fact, he almost succeeds in making a remarkable movie, but he should have tried some badly needed editing to tighten up this tale about crime and revenge in Texas.
"The Hot Spot" will reward fans of Mr. Hooper. He shows he can make a bland actor like Don Johnson appear better and give a somewhat interesting performance as Henry Madox, the drifter who appears out of nowhere and who we know is up to no good.
Henry's good looks is a magnet for the two women in the story. One is the beautiful, and somewhat naive Gloria Harper, who works for the used car dealer, George Harshaw. George's wife, the sultry Dolly, also has plans for the hunk now working for her husband. It's clear this triangle will get into knowing one another, in more ways than social acquaintances.
What Dennis Hopper accomplished in this film was to get excellent performances from his principal actors. Virginia Madsen, notably, is seen as the vamp that knows how to get what she wants all the time. Jennifer Connelly underplays Gloria Harper. Don Johnson is likable in one of the best things he has done in films. William Sadler is perfectly creepy as the black mailer. Veterans Jerry Hardin, Barry Corbin, and Jack Nance, are also good.
The moody musical score by Jack Nitzche serves the film well. Dennis Hopper achieves in presenting this moody tale with his inspired direction, if only he could have trimmed it a little bit. "The Hot Spot" will not disappoint to fans of the genre, although a little patience is required.
"The Hot Spot" will reward fans of Mr. Hooper. He shows he can make a bland actor like Don Johnson appear better and give a somewhat interesting performance as Henry Madox, the drifter who appears out of nowhere and who we know is up to no good.
Henry's good looks is a magnet for the two women in the story. One is the beautiful, and somewhat naive Gloria Harper, who works for the used car dealer, George Harshaw. George's wife, the sultry Dolly, also has plans for the hunk now working for her husband. It's clear this triangle will get into knowing one another, in more ways than social acquaintances.
What Dennis Hopper accomplished in this film was to get excellent performances from his principal actors. Virginia Madsen, notably, is seen as the vamp that knows how to get what she wants all the time. Jennifer Connelly underplays Gloria Harper. Don Johnson is likable in one of the best things he has done in films. William Sadler is perfectly creepy as the black mailer. Veterans Jerry Hardin, Barry Corbin, and Jack Nance, are also good.
The moody musical score by Jack Nitzche serves the film well. Dennis Hopper achieves in presenting this moody tale with his inspired direction, if only he could have trimmed it a little bit. "The Hot Spot" will not disappoint to fans of the genre, although a little patience is required.