garthlotel In one of her most unforgettable and mesmerising roles, Kidman electrifies in every scene of this wonderful black comedy. If there is any doubt in your mind that she is one of the greatest, most versatile actresses of our times, see this film.

Scott LeBrun Nicole Kidman is right on target in this notable dark comedy, an adaptation of the Joyce Maynard novel which was itself inspired by a notorious real life story. Nicole, looking absolutely ravishing throughout, is a completely self-serving sociopath named Suzanne Stone who's simply hellbent on achieving her personal American dream of being a TV personality. When she realizes that her nice guy husband Larry (Matt Dillon, in a solid change of pace performance) is going to be an obstacle in her path, she turns on the heat and convinces dumb as dirt, lovelorn teenager Jimmy Emmett (Joaquin Phoenix, in his breakthrough performance) to bump off Larry. She then proceeds to play to the media to her hearts' content.22 years later, this film version remains pretty damn relevant, in the era of reality television where just about any person can become a celebrity for no really good reason, and fame & fortune is still seen as a worthwhile goal. Working from a screenplay by actor Buck Henry, director Gus Van Sant gives us a thoroughly absorbing film with a fair amount of ideas to mull over. Just like any good dark comedy, it's funny in a twisted sort of way. I'm sure some people who've followed the story, or read the book, or seen the movie, must know one or more people like Suzanne Stone.An exceptional cast full of familiar faces is the real drawing card: Phoenix, Casey Affleck as his degenerate "friend", Alison Folland as the awkward girl who hangs out with the two of them, Dan Hedaya and Maria Tucci as Larry's parents, Kurtwood Smith and Holland Taylor as Suzannes' folks, Tim Hopper and Michael Rispoli as investigating detectives, Wayne Knight as the manager of a local TV station, and especially Illeana Douglas as Larry's sister, a cynical sort who has Suzanne pegged right early on. Making cameo appearances are author Maynard (as Suzannes' lawyer), screenwriter Henry (as a huffy teacher), and filmmaker David Cronenberg as the mysterious man at the lake. Kidman is a marvel as she really struts her stuff for the camera.Ultimately, one does feel somewhat sorry for Jimmy when it's seen just how pathetic he really is. He's just one of many characters who get jerked around by Suzanne, a master manipulator if ever there was one.Eight out of 10.

LeonLouisRicci There have been Orwellian shout-outs and warnings about "False Realities" for ever. But that doesn't stop them from becoming real. People Magazine has absolutely nothing to do with "real" People. Fox News shamelessly proclaiming "Fair and Balanced", and so on.This is a smaller and much more low-budgeted Satire about TV and Celebrity and the blurring of "Truth" validated through Media than the great "Network" (1976) and the over rated "Broadcast News" (1987). But what it lacks in financing it makes up for in a witty, dark, and piercing Script along with Artsy, sure handed Direction. Add to that some spot on Performances by a fresh (at the time) Cast of Newcomers.It is a relevant and timeless Tale (adapted from a real Tabloid tragedy) that cuts sharply and is disturbing to watch at times and is a powerfully made and under rated Movie that is one of Gus Van Zant's best and still stands as top tier Nicole Kidman.

Red_Identity To Die For is a brilliantly intriguing black comedy/drama film with some truly fantastic performances at its core. Kidman can be hit or miss with me, but she's fantastic here, letting you see her character more and more, seeing her wheels turning as she calculated her every move. Kidman has never looked more amazing and she brings the electric charm that she's known for. It was really great seeing Casey Affleck in something that was done before 2007, and Phoenix was also another stand-out who brought a compelling character on screen in contrast to Suzanne's natural charisma. I'm glad I sought this one out and it stands as one of Kidman's finest performances.