Strange Days (1995)

Strange Days is the most underrated movie of all time... well maybe not, but it's certainly up there. The fact that it's written by James Cameron(yeah, that one) and directed by Kathryn Bigelow should be enough to make you run out and break into a video store to watch it ASAP. Well, maybe the director of Point Break isn't a big selling point to some people, but this is actually my favorite movie of hers. Given that I've only seen two of her movies, that's not too hard of a comparison(I'm told Near Dark is good too, in a Point Break sort of way). Anyway, my point is that this movie has credentials and it shows.

Right from the beginning we're treated to some amazing cinematography. An intense first-person robbery taking place over one long shot. A special camera was invented to provide an accurate first-person perspective for the many shots throughout the film. Not only do these shots give the film a unique storytelling style, they introduce us to one of the main plot points. What if we could digitize and record every sense in the body, and play it back whenever we wish? In this twisted version of the last few days of the millennium, not only is this possible, it's become the new drug. Experiences ranging from violent crimes to passionate encounters are sold on the black market to anyone with the cash. Here is where our main character Lenny Nero(Ralph Fiennes) comes in. He's the man who knows everyone, and can get everything. Once a cop, he now slides through the endless night-clubs scattered through a police-state LA, selling "clips" while trying to be everyone's friend. Things were not always this seedy for poor Lenny, but now he just lives in the past. Obsessed over his ex-girlfriend Faith(Juliette Lewis), he too has become a junkie on the very drug he peddles.

Things really start to go sideways when one of Lenny's old friends is murdered, but not before leaving a note warning him that Faith could be next. However Faith has grown apart from Lenny, and she only cares about her singing career and refuses to even listen to him. So Lenny enlists the help of his old partner and friend Max(Tom Sizemore) to watch over Faith and try to help find the killer before it's too late. Along the way Lenny drags Lornette 'Mace' Mason(Angela Bassett) into the situation. While their friendship is strained, Mace continues to help Lenny for her own reasons. Over two nights they try to solve the puzzle, but as the pieces start to fall into place, the picture turns out to be bigger than anyone thought.

One of the best parts of the film is the amazing atmosphere. LA never looked so scummy and on the brink of anarchy. Dark clubs filled with industrial music mix with street riots and military checkpoints. Every character is wearing appropriate clothing to match. Whether it's Lenny is his fake brand name suits, or Faith in a chainmail top, they all blend seamlessly with their surroundings. All of this atmosphere serves to coat a plot rich in a wide range of themes. Too much technology, racial tension, abuse of power, and addiction are just a few of the ideas explored. James Cameron knows how to write a movie, and this is no exception.

All in all, Strange Days has everything. Deep characters involved in an intense, interesting, and layered story which is set in an amazing location and told using groundbreaking techniques. I don't know what else I can say.