Slow Burn (2000)

A distinguished explorer finds herself stranded in the Mexican desert with two escaped convicts and a stash of diamonds.

Director:

Christian Ford

Writers:

Christian Ford, Roger Soffer

Stars:

Jennifer Ann Evans, Stuart Wilson, Nicole Fellows

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jennifer Ann Evans	...	Paulina McTeague
Stuart Wilson	...	Frank Norris
Nicole Fellows	...	Trina, 11 Years
Caprice Benedetti	...	Catalina McTeague
Chris Mulkey	...	Jacob McTeague
Minnie Driver	...	Trina McTeague
James Spader	...	Marcus
Josh Brolin	...	Duster

Storyline

Two Americans, with their young daughter Trina, live in the northern Mexican desert, searching for family diamonds lost years before. Jump ahead, Trina's parents are mysteriously dead, and Trina, now grown, continues the search against the advice of Frank, an old family friend. Two gringo convicts, recently escaped from the Matamoros prison and headed for Texas, stumble upon the diamonds then find Trina and ask her for a ride. She realizes they've found the diamonds, keeps that from them, and tries to spirit the diamonds away. Various alliances form and break, one of the convicts tries to convince her to abandon her quest, and Frank watches from a distance.

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Plot Keywords:

diamond | independent film

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Taglines:

Lust Greed Betrayal

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Genres:

Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language, sexuality and violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 September 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

A fuego lento

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Blue Rider Pictures, Morlaw Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Film Reflection

The reason I rented this film was because it featured James Spader. However, after watching it I would say Mr. Brolins performance deserves far more kudos. Overall, the film was so-so. The plot was a tad shaky and not layered out very well. Minnie Driver did a good job of looking haggard and perplexed but her role did not require much else. Spader was fine but his accent drove me mad. It was a funky cross between a man with a frog in his throat and a fellow from New Jersey. Despite the lackluster pace of the film I enjoyed every minute that featured Duster(Brolin). He played his character with depth and was convincing. I really liked that he had a special protection feeling for the bird, that was sweet. Overall though, this film was pretty shoddy and could have been a way better piece than it was.