American Perfekt (1997)

Criminal psychiatrist, Jake Nyman is taking a much needed vacation from responsibility. An experimental road trip during which ever decision will be made on a flip of a coin. Meanwhile, ... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Chart

Writer:

Paul Chart

Stars:

Amanda Plummer, Robert Forster, David Thewlis

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Amanda Plummer	...	Sandra Thomas
Robert Forster	...	Jake Nyman
David Thewlis	...	Santini
Fairuza Balk	...	Alice Thomas
Paul Sorvino	...	Sheriff Frank Noonan
Joanna Gleason	...	Shirley Dutton
Geoffrey Lewis	...	Willy
Chris Sarandon	...	Deputy Sammy
Jay Patterson	...	Bernie
Judson Mills	...	Junior
Rutanya Alda	...	Gloria
Paul Henry	...	Trucker #1
Belinda Balaski	...	Rita
Jack Breschard	...	Trucker #2
Nathan Le Grand	...	Deputy Freddie

Storyline

Criminal psychiatrist, Jake Nyman is taking a much needed vacation from responsibility. An experimental road trip during which ever decision will be made on a flip of a coin. Meanwhile, Sandra Thomas, disenchanted professional, is en route to pick up her flunked out sister, Alice, at a cheap motel before continuing on to visit their ailing mother. After being forced off the road by a mysterious assailant, however, Sandra is picked up by Jake, who's coin flipping amoral attitude quickly excites her own desire to break a few rules. Or worse. Jake and Sandra's romance is soon driven by chance acts of crime and kindness, all governed by the flip of a coin - at least until Sandra mysteriously disappears and Jake unwittingly picks up her suspicious sister, Alice ...

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Plot Keywords:

coin | chance | motel | psychiatrist | road rage | 

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Taglines:

The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for grisly violence, strong sexuality/nudity and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 September 1997 (Singapore)

Also Known As:

Américain impekable

Filming Locations:

Palmdale, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Destiny Entertainment, Nu Image Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

Sandra's license plate changes from a blue California plate to a white plate at the beginning of the film.

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Crazy Credits

End credits run backwards

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Soundtracks

"Twilight Time"
Written by Al Nevins, Buck Ram, Artie Dunn, Morty Nevins
Performed by The Platters

User Reviews

A highly original idea, but a terrible film

Quality Rating:**(two stars) out of ***** American Perfekt is the kind of thriller that is going to be a cult appreciated for few. I rented this film because of Robert Forster, he had just been nominated by the Academy for Jackie Brown (in which he was great), and American Perfekt seemed to have an interesting plot, with elements of suspense, horror and drama. The film follows the story of a woman who is seeking for her problematic sister, and ends up getting involved with a seemingly normal guy, who actually turns out to be a psychopath (Forster). American Perfekt is a violent road-movie, with moments of unbearable brutality (like the scene in which Amanda Plummer's body is found) and special participations by David Thewlis, Paul Sorvino and Fairuza Balk, all of them playing (very) weird roles. Film director Paul Chart tried to balance drama and suspense, but he forgot that the film needed a more consistent and strong noir story. Forster is excellent as a gentile psychopath, he decides his luck with a coin, and is capable of make the most atrocious violence, unlike Fairuza Balk, who is clearly terrible as the "sister". American Perfekt is a B- horror flick, with some known names, and it will soon become a cult for few.I recommend Outside Ozona, that has a similar, but better, plot, and also counts with the great Robert Forster.