Another Day in Paradise (1998)

In the hope of a big score, two junkie couples team up to commit various drug robberies which go disastrously wrong leading to dissent, violence and murder.

Director:

Larry Clark

Writers:

Eddie Little (book), Christopher Landon

Stars:

James Woods, Melanie Griffith, Vincent Kartheiser

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Woods	...	Mel
Melanie Griffith	...	Sid
Vincent Kartheiser	...	Bobbie
Natasha Gregson Wagner	...	Rosie
James Otis	...	Reverend
Branden Williams	...	Danny
Brent Briscoe	...	Clem
Peter Sarsgaard	...	Ty
Paul Hipp	...	Richard Johnson
Kim Flowers	...	Bonnie Johnson
John Gatins	...	Phil
Ryan Donahue	...	Barry
Christopher Doyle	...	Conan
Dick Hancock	...	Breather
Pamela Gordon	...	Waitress

Storyline

Bobbie is an addict and small-time thief. When one of his jobs goes bad, Mel is called in to patch him up. Mel offers him a chance at a bigger score. Over time, Mel and his girlfriend Sid become almost like parents to Bobbie and his girlfriend Rosie, but this can't last.

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Plot Keywords:

bare breasts | sex on floor | adolescent girl | woman on top | teenage sex | 

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Taglines:

We live at the abyss.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence, sexuality, drug use and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

The word "fuck" is used 327 times in this 101 minute film.

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Goofs

James Woods says his Caddy is a Coupe De Ville, when it is a Sedan De Ville.

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Quotes

Bobbie: Babe, I got speed dick.
Rosie: No you don't. I'll make you cum.

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Alternate Versions

R1 DVD version includes both the R-rated theatrical version and an unrated director's cut.

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Connections

References Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

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Soundtracks

Every Grain of Sand
Written & Performed by Bob Dylan

User Reviews

A work of distinction - not for all tastes

While vastly superior to Larry Clark's other films, "Another Day in Paradise" shares with them a brazen directness which makes it uneasy viewing, particular the many scenes picturing graphic violence. However it's a powerful and moving film with some exceptional acting talent on display.

Clark's obsession with teenagers of the wilder variety is prevalent as always but is balanced by the older surrogate parent couple played by James Woods and Melanie Griffith. Woods once again brings his famed intensity in a well rounded portrayal in which he's not only called upon to play a hardened, ruthless criminal, but also to reveal the more human qualities albeit buried very deep within.

Melanie Griffith is surprisingly effective as Wood's partner in crime. Clark's interest in them as people first and then as criminals, places this movie in a category well above the usual criminals on the run fare.

The younger criminal counterparts are played excellently by Natasha Gregson Wagner and Vincent Kartheiser. There is an almost documentary sense of authenticity to their acting. Oddly enough neither seemed to have as yet progressed to roles of much importance. Kartheiser in particular is an actor to watch out for. (He was superb in the somewhat flawed "The Unsaid").

The complexity of the relationship between the older childless couple and the teenage couple, while not overtly examined, is explored with subtlety which allows the viewer to make his own evaluation.

With large doses of drugs and violence this is clearly not a movie for all tastes. It is however a work of distinction.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 January 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Paradise

Filming Locations:

Firestone Boulevard, Norwalk, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$4,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,900, 3 January 1999

Gross USA:

$1,036,818

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,036,818

Company Credits

Production Co:

Chinese Bookie Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1