Credited cast: | |||
River Phoenix | ... | Boy | |
Judy Davis | ... | Buffy Fletcher | |
Jonathan Pryce | ... | Harry Fletcher | |
Karen Black | ... | Motel Woman | |
T. Dan Hopkins | ... | Joe Tapesi | |
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Lorne Miller | ... | Mechanic / Motel Woman's Son |
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Julius Drum | ... | Indian #1 (as Julius 'Josh' Drum) |
John Trudell | ... | Indian #2 (as John Trudell Jr.) | |
Rodney A. Grant | ... | Indian #3 | |
George Aguilar | ... | Indian #4 | |
Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
Stephen Silberkraus | ... | The Fletcher's Son |
Dealing with nuclear testing and its long-lasting deadly effects, the story portrays Boy, a young widower living in the desert on a nuclear testing site. Living as a hermit, he waits for the end of the world, carving Kachina dolls that he believes have magical powers. While travelling on a "second" honeymoon across the Arizona desert, the car of a Hollywood jet-set couple breaks down. They are rescued by Boy, who holds them prisoner, because he desires the woman, and wants to create a better world with her. Written by GeorgeSluizer.com
This is the last film with River Phoenix. Meaning: as Phoenix died in 1993 and Dark Blood was only 80% shot, it took almost 19 years to get the material edited into the final cut. All scenes that haven't been shot are read as a voice-over by director George Sluizer over paused images. While that creates a distinct kind of movie experience, it doesn't seem to be something I'm very fond of. Of course, Dark Blood is a film that's all about Phoenix. Just like James Dean in 1955, Phoenix generated a cult following because of his untimely death. Mostly remembered for his roles in Stand by Me, Running on Empty, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and My Own Private Idaho, Phoenix never really had the chance to become the actor he could've been. That doesn't mean everything he did was pure genius though... In Dark Blood I'm just not feeling the Phoenix-vibe. Above all, it's quite a dull movie. Only recommended for those who want to see Phoenix shine one last time.