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

For most of the film, the license plate on Santini's car is Nevada 28ZP9N. However, when chasing Sandra's car a the beginning of the film, the license plate is California 3DSK878.

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Crazy Credits

End credits run backwards

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Soundtracks

"Lay It Down"
Written by Michael Timmins
Performed by Cowboy Junkies

User Reviews

Never trust a shrink

Robert Forster is good as Jake, a psychiatrist who picks up a woman named Sandra, after her car is run off a desert road. Jake likes to make most of his decisions on the toss of a coin. The duo run into a confidence trickster named Santini, and that's when the fun and games begin.

Jake soon hooks up with Sandra's sister Alice, who is supposed to meet Sandra in a diner. Jake then has a few surprises in store for Alice. The film isn't very long, and doesn't out stay its welcome. A blackly humourous road movie that is well worth seeing. The film clearly has its tongue firmly planted in its cheek.