Bad Lieutenant review
It’s tough to figure out which is more baffling; why enigmatic phenomenon Werner Herzog chose to direct an action packed bad-cop crime drama or why a production company gave him $25 million to do it. But they did and although Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans is a little rough around the edges it is a hugely enjoyable, entertaining classic in the making.
For those familiar with Herzog and his work, it should come as no surprise that this isn’t a typical crime drama. It’s nuts, in fact. A riot. A joyride that is as insane as its lead character. From prolonged close-ups on iguanas to break dancing souls to elderly ladies aggressively threatened with a magnum it is as hilarious as it is dark.
Nicolas Cage puts in the most exhilarating acting performance of the year and his best since Adaptation. Following Kick-Ass, this is further evidence that he’s back in full force. But without Herzog Bad Lieutenant would still, probably, be run-of-the mill. He lives on another planet. And I want to visit.
27th May 2010 | Official site | On IMDb
