“U Turn 1997” is a dark and twisted thriller about a man stuck in a small town that’s slowly killing him.
Bobby Cooper, played by Sean Penn, stops in the remote Arizona town of Superior on his way to Vegas.
The town is filled with eccentric and dangerous characters, such as the seductive Grace, played by Jennifer Lopez, and the menacing blind man played by Jon Voight.
As Bobby tries to leave town, he discovers that everything is connected and there may be no easy way out.
The film is a bleak and bloody look at the consequences of sin and the dangers of getting caught up in things beyond our control.
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Review
It is not often that one encounters a movie as twisted, sinister, and borderline hallucinogenic as Oliver Stone’s “U Turn.” The film was released in 1997 and stars some of the biggest names in Hollywood such as Sean Penn, Jennifer Lopez, and Nick Nolte. Set in a small town called Superior, located somewhere in the desolate Arizona desert, the story revolves around Bobby Cooper (played by Penn), a drifter who finds himself stranded in the middle of nowhere after his car breaks down.
The opening credits are fittingly accompanied by a dizzying rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” performed by Jimi Hendrix. This sets the tone for an intense and surreal viewing experience that few movies can match. Throughout its runtime, “U Turn” is a masterclass in mood and atmosphere. It’s dark, gritty, unsettling, and at times utterly bizarre.
As Bobby tries to fix his car and get out of Superior as quickly as possible, he crosses paths with some of the town’s inhabitants. First up is Darrell (played by Billy Bob Thornton), a mechanic with questionable hygiene habits who seems to take pleasure in tormenting Bobby. Then there is Grace McKenna (Lopez), a seductive lady who offers Bobby money if he’ll kill her abusive husband Jake McKenna (Nolte).
The plot thickens when we meet Toby N. Tucker (Joaquin Phoenix), an unhinged teenage delinquent who serves as Jake’s right-hand man. As Bobby tries to navigate this web of lies, deceit, and violence, it becomes clear that he is not going to leave Superior anytime soon.
Director Oliver Stone has never been known for subtlety or restraint, and “U Turn” is no exception. The movie is packed with grotesque imagery and shocking moments that will leave viewers feeling both thrilled and disturbed. However, amidst all the madness, there are some genuinely funny moments that help lighten the mood.
The performances in “U Turn” are top-notch across the board. Penn is particularly impressive as Bobby, navigating the character’s descent into darkness with ease. Lopez, who had recently become a household name thanks to her music career and high-profile relationships, delivers a sultry and nuanced performance as Grace. Nolte is reliably intimidating as Jake, while Phoenix steals every scene he’s in as Toby.
The cinematography by Robert Richardson is stunning but also disorienting at times. The camera angles are often extreme, emphasizing the claustrophobic nature of Superior and its inhabitants. The score by Ennio Morricone adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Despite its critical acclaim, “U Turn” was not a commercial success upon its release. Perhaps this was due to its unrelenting darkness and unconventional storytelling style. However, over time, the movie has gained a cult following and is now regarded as one of Stone’s most underrated films.
In conclusion, “U Turn” is not for everyone. Its twisted narrative and graphic visuals will undoubtedly be too much for some viewers to handle. However, for those who are willing to stick with it, there are rewards to be found. Between its powerhouse cast, stunning visuals, and innovative storytelling style, “U Turn” is a cinematic experience that shouldn’t be missed by fans of psychological thrillers or surreal cinema in general. And if you’re looking for a movie that defies categorization and leaves you questioning your sanity by the time the end credits roll – well then friend – look no further than “U Turn.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 125
- Release : 1997-10-03
- Genre : Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Cast : Sean Penn as Bobby Cooper, Nick Nolte as Jake McKenna, Jennifer Lopez as Grace McKenna, Joaquin Phoenix as Toby N. Tucker, Claire Danes as Jenny
- Crew : Robert Richardson as Director of Photography, Victor Kempster as Production Design, Oliver Stone as Director, Ennio Morricone as Original Music Composer, Bill Abbott as Music Editor
- Popularity 20.345
- Budget : $19,000,000
- Revenue : $6,682,098
- Company : Canal+ Droits Audiovisuels, Illusion Entertainment Group, Phoenix Pictures
- Summary : When Bobby’s car breaks down in the desert while on the run from some of the bookies who have already taken two of his fingers, he becomes trapped in the nearby small town where the people are stranger than anyone he’s encountered. After becoming involved with a young married woman, her husband hires Bobby to kill her. Later, she hires Bobby to kill the husband.
- Tagline : Expect the Unexpected.
